Two male employees in Japan sued their employers for alleged harassment after taking paternity leave, a case that again shone a spotlight on the country's ruthless work culture.

Among the complainants, one is a Japanese national and a Canadian national working in Japan; both allege that their employers sidelined them from their main responsibilities after they resumed work post paternity leave.

The Japanese government allows both men and women to take one year off after childbirth. During the paternity leave, employees are eligible for government benefits, however, they are not guaranteed pay from their employer.

Despite such strong legal systems, why do Japanese workers feel so overworked? from the 1950s onwards, post-war Japan set a benchmark for hard work for the world over. In its golden age of growth, Japan’s corporations offered lifelong job security and high wages in return for the long working hours, loyalty and service.

In japan death by overwork claimed 191 people in 2016 and, according to a government report, over a fifth of Japanese employees are at risk through working more than 80 hours of overtime a month which is usually unpaid work, a Ranconteur report said.&nbsp;

One in ten Japanese workers clock over 100 &nbsp;hours of overtime each month, the report also said.

Not just this, convenience stores in Japan sell clean shirts for workers who haven’t had a chance to go home, In Japan, there is a genre of literature, kodoku which romanticises the loneliness of Japanese workers who have little time or inclination to see friends or find a partner.

And not just men, even Japanese women face outright discrimination in offices because they could become mothers someday.

If women prioritise their home life over their company by leaving early or at a normal time to pick up their children from daycare, they find themselves being passed over for promotions and raises.

Even though Prime Minister Shinzo abe spent six years encouraging women to join the workforce, still 70 per cent Japanese women leave their jobs after the first child.

But what about the rest of the world?

According to a report, 90 countries don’t offer paternity leave time at all – including the US.

South Korea offers the most, at 52 weeks, with Sweden, Slovenia and Iceland offering 12 weeks each. Finland 11 weeks which is then followed by Spain offering 8 weeks.&nbsp;

India and France both offer two weeks of paternity leave.

Two male employees in Japan sued their employers for alleged harassment after taking paternity leave, a case that again shone a spotlight on the country's ruthless work culture.

Two male employees in Japan sued their employers for alleged harassment after taking paternity leave, a case that again shone a spotlight on the country's ruthless work culture. Among the complainants, one is a Japanese national and a Canadian national working in Japan; both allege that their employers sidelined them from their main responsibilities after they resumed work post paternity leave. The Japanese government allows both men and women to take one year off after childbirth. During the paternity leave, employees are eligible for government benefits, however, they are not guaranteed pay from their employer. Despite such strong legal systems, why do Japanese workers feel so overworked? from the 1950s onwards, post-war Japan set a benchmark for hard work for the world over. In its golden age of growth, Japan’s corporations offered lifelong job security and high wages in return for the long working hours, loyalty and service. In japan death by overwork claimed 191 people in 2016 and, according to a government report, over a fifth of Japanese employees are at risk through working more than 80 hours of overtime a month which is usually unpaid work, a Ranconteur report said. One in ten Japanese workers clock over 100 hours of overtime each month, the report also said. Not just this, convenience stores in Japan sell clean shirts for workers who haven’t had a chance to go home, In Japan, there is a genre of literature, kodoku which romanticises the loneliness of Japanese workers who have little time or inclination to see friends or find a partner. And not just men, even Japanese women face outright discrimination in offices because they could become mothers someday. If women prioritise their home life over their company by leaving early or at a normal time to pick up their children from daycare, they find themselves being passed over for promotions and raises. Even though Prime Minister Shinzo abe spent six years encouraging women to join the workforce, still 70 per cent Japanese women leave their jobs after the first child. But what about the rest of the world? According to a report, 90 countries don’t offer paternity leave time at all – including the US. South Korea offers the most, at 52 weeks, with Sweden, Slovenia and Iceland offering 12 weeks each. Finland 11 weeks which is then followed by Spain offering 8 weeks. India and France both offer two weeks of paternity leave.

Japan parental leave case puts spotlight on workers' rights

Japan's Shinzo Abe on Wednesday appointed new foreign and defence ministers and promoted a popular rising political star, in a cabinet reshuffle that fuelled speculation over the prime minister's successor.

The spectacular appointment as environment minister of the telegenic Shinjiro Koizumi, the 38-year-old son of much-loved former PM Junichiro Koizumi, set tongues wagging in Tokyo political classes as the Abe era draws to a close.

"Abe intends to start an open race to pick the next prime minister or even the one after that," said SMBC Nikko Securities chief market economist Yoshimasa Maruyama.

A darling of the Japanese media, Shinjiro Koizumi received blanket coverage for his recent marriage to television broadcaster Christel Takigawa, which was announced at the prime minister's office.

He is the third-youngest minister appointed to the cabinet in Japan since the end of World War II, in a country where seniority is prized in politics and many other walks of life.

Despite intense media spotlight, he has been coy on expressing his view on the issues of the day and there will be close scrutiny over his policies on nuclear power, particularly on whether he will break with his father's anti-nuclear stance.

Abe is set to become Japan's longest-serving prime minister in November but is expected to step down at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election in 2021 and the jostling for position is already beginning.

Japan's new foreign minister is Toshimitsu Motegi, who was promoted as a reward for his work in negotiating a trade deal with the United States.

Outgoing foreign minister Taro Kono was shifted to the defence portfolio, in a move seen as reinforcing Tokyo's hard line towards South Korea at a time of worsening ties between the two neighbours.

Kono, who has amused commentators by interacting with people on social media even offering relationship advice at times struck a hard line during the recent spat with Seoul that has infected their trade and security ties.

Motegi, 63, is a Harvard-educated political veteran who worked as a McKinsey consultant before winning a lower house seat in 1993.

Analysts do not expect the shake-up to herald significant changes to Japan's diplomatic policy, which is managed largely by the prime minister's office.

But it may also put Motegi in the starting blocks in the race to succeed Abe, noted Tobias Harris, an expert on Japanese politics at consultancy Teneo.

Abe retained the services of his trusted associate Taro Aso as deputy prime minister and finance minister, as well as Yoshihide Suga as the powerful chief cabinet secretary.

The PM also kept key allies and aides within the cabinet and top layers of the party to shore up his position for the next two years.

The Abe government is poised to hike its consumption tax from eight per cent to 10 per cent on October 1, amid fears this could act as a brake on the world's third-largest economy.

He is also hoping to achieve his long-cherished ambition of amending Japan's post-war constitution to change the status of the country's Self Defense Forces.

Ahead of the cabinet announcement, Abe told party members he wanted a "united front in the party, and (to) powerfully push for a revision of the constitution," calling it the LDP's "long-term earnest desire."

Abe also kept LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, who has deep contacts in China, as Japan prepares for an expected state visit by Xi Jinping in 2020.

Among other key figures is former Olympic speed skater Seiko Hashimoto, who became the latest in a string of Olympic ministers ahead of the 2020 summer Games.

Hashimoto is one of just two women out of 19 in the new cabinet despite Abe's much-heralded "womenomics" programme. His previous cabinet included just one woman.

Japan ranked 125th in the 2018 World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Report in terms of women's political empowerment.

The other woman is Sanae Takaichi, appointed as interior minister. She is seen as a hard-right nationalist, who regularly visits the Yasukuni shrine housing war criminals that enrage South Korea and China.

During her previous stint as interior minister, she threatened to cut off TV news stations over perceived unfriendly coverage.

Japan's Shinzo Abe on Wednesday appointed new foreign and defence ministers and promoted a popular rising political star, in a cabinet reshuffle that fuelled speculation over the prime minister's successor.

Japan's Shinzo Abe on Wednesday appointed new foreign and defence ministers and promoted a popular rising political star, in a cabinet reshuffle that fuelled speculation over the prime minister's successor. The spectacular appointment as environment minister of the telegenic Shinjiro Koizumi, the 38-year-old son of much-loved former PM Junichiro Koizumi, set tongues wagging in Tokyo political classes as the Abe era draws to a close. "Abe intends to start an open race to pick the next prime minister or even the one after that," said SMBC Nikko Securities chief market economist Yoshimasa Maruyama. A darling of the Japanese media, Shinjiro Koizumi received blanket coverage for his recent marriage to television broadcaster Christel Takigawa, which was announced at the prime minister's office. He is the third-youngest minister appointed to the cabinet in Japan since the end of World War II, in a country where seniority is prized in politics and many other walks of life. Despite intense media spotlight, he has been coy on expressing his view on the issues of the day and there will be close scrutiny over his policies on nuclear power, particularly on whether he will break with his father's anti-nuclear stance. Abe is set to become Japan's longest-serving prime minister in November but is expected to step down at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election in 2021 and the jostling for position is already beginning. Japan's new foreign minister is Toshimitsu Motegi, who was promoted as a reward for his work in negotiating a trade deal with the United States. Outgoing foreign minister Taro Kono was shifted to the defence portfolio, in a move seen as reinforcing Tokyo's hard line towards South Korea at a time of worsening ties between the two neighbours. Kono, who has amused commentators by interacting with people on social media even offering relationship advice at times struck a hard line during the recent spat with Seoul that has infected their trade and security ties. Motegi, 63, is a Harvard-educated political veteran who worked as a McKinsey consultant before winning a lower house seat in 1993. Analysts do not expect the shake-up to herald significant changes to Japan's diplomatic policy, which is managed largely by the prime minister's office. But it may also put Motegi in the starting blocks in the race to succeed Abe, noted Tobias Harris, an expert on Japanese politics at consultancy Teneo. Abe retained the services of his trusted associate Taro Aso as deputy prime minister and finance minister, as well as Yoshihide Suga as the powerful chief cabinet secretary. The PM also kept key allies and aides within the cabinet and top layers of the party to shore up his position for the next two years. The Abe government is poised to hike its consumption tax from eight per cent to 10 per cent on October 1, amid fears this could act as a brake on the world's third-largest economy. He is also hoping to achieve his long-cherished ambition of amending Japan's post-war constitution to change the status of the country's Self Defense Forces. Ahead of the cabinet announcement, Abe told party members he wanted a "united front in the party, and (to) powerfully push for a revision of the constitution," calling it the LDP's "long-term earnest desire." Abe also kept LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, who has deep contacts in China, as Japan prepares for an expected state visit by Xi Jinping in 2020. Among other key figures is former Olympic speed skater Seiko Hashimoto, who became the latest in a string of Olympic ministers ahead of the 2020 summer Games. Hashimoto is one of just two women out of 19 in the new cabinet despite Abe's much-heralded "womenomics" programme. His previous cabinet included just one woman. Japan ranked 125th in the 2018 World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Report in terms of women's political empowerment. The other woman is Sanae Takaichi, appointed as interior minister. She is seen as a hard-right nationalist, who regularly visits the Yasukuni shrine housing war criminals that enrage South Korea and China. During her previous stint as interior minister, she threatened to cut off TV news stations over perceived unfriendly coverage.

Japan PM Abe appoints new foreign, defence ministers; brings in rising star Shinjiro Koizumi

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the evening from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 6th, 2019

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits India Business Pavilion at Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi visits India Business Pavilion at Eastern Economic Forum

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-to-day-2-of-packed-russia-visit-pm-modi-holds-talks-with-japanese-malaysian-counterparts-247669">Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo</a> Abe will be visiting India in December for the annual India-Japan Summit that alternates between India and Japan. PM Modi had visited Japan last year in October for the summit during which, in a special gesture, Prime Minister Abe had hosted a private dinner for him at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

The development comes in the backdrop of Modi-Abe bilateral that happened on Thursday morning on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok. It was decided before the summit in December, both sides will have the first 2+2 foreign and defence ministers' meet.

Indo-pacific and joint projects in Africa were discussed during the meeting. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "There was a discussion on the Indo-Pacific, this is an issue on which India and Japan share similar views. PM Abe spoke about free and open Indo-Pacific and of the importance of bilateral cooperation in that regard both on the economic side and people-to-people ties".

Both leaders gave a "very positive assessment" on India-Japan-US trilateral that happened on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Argentina on December 2018 and in Japan on July 2018. 
&nbsp; 
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between 16 nations - was also discussed with PM mentioning that India "has some issues of interest both in trade in goods and trade in services" and that this "should be kept in mind when any regional trading arrangement is made so that there is a comfort level on all sides" for the agreement.&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India in December for the annual India-Japan Summit that alternates between India and Japan. PM Modi had visited Japan last year in October for the summit during which, in a special gesture, Prime Minister Abe had hosted a private dinner for him at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India in December for the annual India-Japan Summit that alternates between India and Japan. PM Modi had visited Japan last year in October for the summit during which, in a special gesture, Prime Minister Abe had hosted a private dinner for him at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader. The development comes in the backdrop of Modi-Abe bilateral that happened on Thursday morning on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok. It was decided before the summit in December, both sides will have the first 2+2 foreign and defence ministers' meet. Indo-pacific and joint projects in Africa were discussed during the meeting. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "There was a discussion on the Indo-Pacific, this is an issue on which India and Japan share similar views. PM Abe spoke about free and open Indo-Pacific and of the importance of bilateral cooperation in that regard both on the economic side and people-to-people ties". Both leaders gave a "very positive assessment" on India-Japan-US trilateral that happened on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Argentina on December 2018 and in Japan on July 2018. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between 16 nations - was also discussed with PM mentioning that India "has some issues of interest both in trade in goods and trade in services" and that this "should be kept in mind when any regional trading arrangement is made so that there is a comfort level on all sides" for the agreement.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to visit India in December 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the India-Russia Summit and Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), held bilaterals with world leaders including Japanese and Malaysian counterparts and the president of Mongolia. Watch this video to know more.

PM Modi discusses trade, Zakir Naik's extradition with Malaysian PM

Vladivostok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, on day 2 of his 36-hour short visit to Russia. The meeting comes after the world leaders interacted at the G-20 Summit in Japan's Osaka and G7 Summit in France's Biarritz.

PM Modi holds talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 5th, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, on day 2 of his 36-hour short visit to Russia. The meeting comes after the world leaders interacted at the G-20 Summit in Japan's Osaka and G7 Summit in France's Biarritz. PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with HE Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and President of Mongolia HE Khaltmaagiin Battulga.

PM Modi to meet Malaysian President shortly

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks at the Plenary Session of 5th Eastern Economic Forum, in Vladivostok. PM Modi said, The relation of India & Far East is not new but ages old. India is the 1st country which opened its consulate in Vladivostok.

PM Modi speaks at Eastern Economic Forum

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 4th, 2019

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 3rd, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - September 3rd, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 2nd, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 1st, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 31st, 2019

US President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday announced a deal in principle on a major bilateral trade deal.

"It's a very big transaction," Trump said after talks with Abe on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the French resort town of Biarritz.

"Billions and billions of dollars," he said.

"It involves agriculture, it involves e-commerce. It involves many things. We've agreed in principle."

Abe confirmed the two nations had "successfully reached consensus" after "intense" negotiations.

Both leaders said they hoped for a formal signing during the UN General Assembly in New York next month.

However, Abe cautioned: "We still have some remaining work that has to be done… mainly finalising the wording."

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the agreement will especially benefit US farmers -- a politically important group for Trump in his uphill push for reelection in 2020.&nbsp;

Asked whether US tariffs already imposed on Japanese cars would be scrapped as a result of the deal, Lighthizer said some tariffs would be removed "but not those."

Trump also said the tariffs were "staying the same" but would not go up.

Bilateral alternative to TPP

Trump and Abe enjoy close ties but the US president has frequently claimed that Tokyo has an unfair advantage in bilateral trade.

Negotiators have agreed Japan will place tariffs on US agricultural products up to levels that apply to members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) pact, Japan's public broadcaster NHK and major Japanese dailies reported.

Both sides agreed Japan will cut tariffs on US beef and pork to TPP levels, but will not set new quotas for butter and skimmed milk, NHK said, citing unnamed sources.

Japan has repeatedly said the extent of the opening up of its agricultural market would be within the concession it had made to members of the TPP pact.

After an abrupt US withdrawal from the TPP, 11 countries circling the Pacific last year signed a slimmed-down version of the trade deal, and the pact has been championed as an antidote to growing US protectionism under Trump.

The US president has since sparked fears of a trade war by levying steep tariffs and denouncing unfair trading practices.

The United States will eliminate levies on a wide range of Japanese industrial products, but its tariffs on Japanese automobiles will be left for further negotiations as Trump sees the US trade deficit with Japan as a problem, NHK said.

US President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday announced a deal in principle on a major bilateral trade deal. "It's a very big transaction," Trump said after talks with Abe on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the French resort town of Biarritz.

US President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday announced a deal in principle on a major bilateral trade deal. "It's a very big transaction," Trump said after talks with Abe on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the French resort town of Biarritz. "Billions and billions of dollars," he said. "It involves agriculture, it involves e-commerce. It involves many things. We've agreed in principle." Abe confirmed the two nations had "successfully reached consensus" after "intense" negotiations. Both leaders said they hoped for a formal signing during the UN General Assembly in New York next month. However, Abe cautioned: "We still have some remaining work that has to be done… mainly finalising the wording." US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the agreement will especially benefit US farmers -- a politically important group for Trump in his uphill push for reelection in 2020. Asked whether US tariffs already imposed on Japanese cars would be scrapped as a result of the deal, Lighthizer said some tariffs would be removed "but not those." Trump also said the tariffs were "staying the same" but would not go up. Bilateral alternative to TPP Trump and Abe enjoy close ties but the US president has frequently claimed that Tokyo has an unfair advantage in bilateral trade. Negotiators have agreed Japan will place tariffs on US agricultural products up to levels that apply to members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) pact, Japan's public broadcaster NHK and major Japanese dailies reported. Both sides agreed Japan will cut tariffs on US beef and pork to TPP levels, but will not set new quotas for butter and skimmed milk, NHK said, citing unnamed sources. Japan has repeatedly said the extent of the opening up of its agricultural market would be within the concession it had made to members of the TPP pact. After an abrupt US withdrawal from the TPP, 11 countries circling the Pacific last year signed a slimmed-down version of the trade deal, and the pact has been championed as an antidote to growing US protectionism under Trump. The US president has since sparked fears of a trade war by levying steep tariffs and denouncing unfair trading practices. The United States will eliminate levies on a wide range of Japanese industrial products, but its tariffs on Japanese automobiles will be left for further negotiations as Trump sees the US trade deficit with Japan as a problem, NHK said.

US, Japan agree trade deal 'in principle'

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe displayed their differences over the seriousness of North Korea's series of short-range&nbsp;missile&nbsp;launches on Sunday while maintaining that they would remain in sync on the issue.

Trump, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-has-really-good-relationship-with-north-korea-245245">prizes his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un</a>, said the launches did not violate an agreement and were in line with what others were doing. Abe said the launches violated UN&nbsp;resolutions.

Launches of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-short-range-missiles-again-complicating-us-attempts-for-talks-245221">short-range ballistic&nbsp;missiles on Saturday</a> were the seventh by North Korea since Trump and Kim met at the inter-Korean border in June.

The launches have complicated attempts to restart talks between US&nbsp;and North Korean negotiators over the future of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programmes.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw the test of a "super-large multiple rocket launcher" on Saturday, state news agency KCNA reported on Sunday.

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks amid stalled denuclearization talks.

Photos released by North Korean state media showed rockets launching from large tubes mounted on the back of an eight-wheel vehicle.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea fires two suspected missiles, 7th missile in a month

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Analysts said it appeared to be at least the fourth new missile system unveiled by North Korea since denuclearization talks stalled at a February summit between Kim and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

North Korea must step up development of new strategic and tactical weapons to counter "ever-mounting military threats and pressure offensive of the hostile forces," Kim said on Saturday, according to KCNA.

North Korea's young defence scientists who developed the missiles are a "precious treasure and wealth of the country which cannot be bartered for anything," Kim said.

On Saturday, a KCNA commentary said North Korea "will never barter the strategic security of the country for the sanctions relief."

American officials have been trying to restart the stalled talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which are heavily sanctioned.

After the latest tests, Trump again touted his good relationship with Kim and said the North Korean leader had been "pretty straight with me."

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe displayed their differences over the seriousness of North Korea's series of short-range missile launches on Sunday while maintaining that they would remain in sync on the issue.

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe displayed their differences over the seriousness of North Korea's series of short-range missile launches on Sunday while maintaining that they would remain in sync on the issue. Trump, who prizes his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said the launches did not violate an agreement and were in line with what others were doing. Abe said the launches violated UN resolutions. Launches of short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday were the seventh by North Korea since Trump and Kim met at the inter-Korean border in June. The launches have complicated attempts to restart talks between US and North Korean negotiators over the future of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw the test of a "super-large multiple rocket launcher" on Saturday, state news agency KCNA reported on Sunday. North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks amid stalled denuclearization talks. Photos released by North Korean state media showed rockets launching from large tubes mounted on the back of an eight-wheel vehicle. Watch: North Korea fires two suspected missiles, 7th missile in a month × Analysts said it appeared to be at least the fourth new missile system unveiled by North Korea since denuclearization talks stalled at a February summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump. North Korea must step up development of new strategic and tactical weapons to counter "ever-mounting military threats and pressure offensive of the hostile forces," Kim said on Saturday, according to KCNA. North Korea's young defence scientists who developed the missiles are a "precious treasure and wealth of the country which cannot be bartered for anything," Kim said. On Saturday, a KCNA commentary said North Korea "will never barter the strategic security of the country for the sanctions relief." American officials have been trying to restart the stalled talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which are heavily sanctioned. After the latest tests, Trump again touted his good relationship with Kim and said the North Korean leader had been "pretty straight with me."

Japan's Abe refutes Trump, says North Korea missile launches violate UN resolutions

&nbsp;Japanese police on Monday arrested a man claiming to be Chinese for throwing a black ink-like liquid on a curtain at one of the buildings of Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine for war dead, the Metropolitan Police Department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../high-end-rebrand-makes-life-sweet-for-japans- ice-farmers-243768">Japan</a>'s neighbours see the shrine as a symbol of the country's former militarism, since it honours 14 Japanese leaders convicted by an Allied tribunal as war criminals, along with other war dead.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to the shrine on Thursday, the anniversary of Japan's World War Two surrender, but refrained from visiting in person.

Details such as the motives, address and occupation of the man arrested for property damage were unclear, a police official said.

No one was immediately available for comment at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.

Japanese police on Monday arrested a man claiming to be Chinese for throwing a black ink-like liquid on a curtain at one of the buildings of Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine for war dead, the Metropolitan Police Department said.

Japanese police on Monday arrested a man claiming to be Chinese for throwing a black ink-like liquid on a curtain at one of the buildings of Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine for war dead, the Metropolitan Police Department said. Japan's neighbours see the shrine as a symbol of the country's former militarism, since it honours 14 Japanese leaders convicted by an Allied tribunal as war criminals, along with other war dead. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to the shrine on Thursday, the anniversary of Japan's World War Two surrender, but refrained from visiting in person. Details such as the motives, address and occupation of the man arrested for property damage were unclear, a police official said. No one was immediately available for comment at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.

Japan shrine for war dead vandalised by man claiming to be Chinese

North Korea launched at least two short-range ballistic missiles on Friday which was its 6th launch within a month. Otherside, Japan's Shinzo Abe said that no threat to security from North Korea projectile launch. Watch this video to know more.

6th launch of N. Korea within a month, Japan's Abe says no threat to security from projectile launch

Japan's economy grew at a faster-than-expected clip in the second quarter, official data showed on Friday, helped by celebrations to usher in a new imperial era.

Gross domestic product (GDP) in the world's third-biggest economy grew 0.4 per cent from the previous quarter, the Cabinet Office said, beating analysts' median forecast of 0.1 per cent.

The third straight period of expansion will also bolster Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's determination to push through a controversial sales tax hike in October despite warnings it could weigh on growth.

Shoppers are rushing to make purchases before the rate rises from eight per cent to 10 per cent on October 1 and this boost for consumption also helped push GDP higher, economists said.

An unprecedented 10-day holiday for the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito, which kicked off a new imperial era in Japan, also pepped up the figures, according to analysts.

However, trade frictions between the US and China weighed on exports and corporate spending in some sectors such as machinery, said Yuichiro Nagai, senior economist at Mizuho Securities.

"But investments in software, research and development, and construction were good," he told AFP.

Nagai said a rush by consumers to buy before the sales tax hike will likely become even more pronounced in the July-September quarter, helping Japan log another quarter of growth.

And while the economy would likely contract in October-December due to the higher tax, it should rebound next year and avoid slipping into a recession, Nagai said.

"There is uncertainty over where the trade war will go... With the US presidential election coming next year, however, I believe the main scenario is that they will find a compromise plan" later this year, he said.

'Additional monetary easing'

The last time Japan hiked its sales tax, in 2014, the result was a slump in consumption and the wider economy and some economists have warned that now is not the time to raise the rate amid uncertainty over global trade and Brexit.

But Tokyo has vowed to go through with the plan unless there is a crisis on the level of the 2008 financial meltdown and Abe has promised countermeasures to cushion the blow on the economy.

SMBC Nikko Securities chief market economist Yoshimasa Maruyama said the Japanese economy would likely expand further in the July-September period but warned it could slide into a mild recession in October-December as the global economy slows.

"By the time autumn comes, debates for a supplementary budget will start and calls for additional monetary easing will get louder," he said in a report released ahead of the GDP announcement.

But Naoya Oshikubo, senior economist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management, was not so gloomy.

"Going forward, central banks are expected to continue easing, and the Chinese government will likely announce fiscal measures, resulting in a global economic recovery, which should help Japan maintain its momentum," Oshikubo said in a report.&nbsp;

Besides the planned tax hike, the impact from trade frictions between Japan and South Korea could be a headwind, he said.

"But both should be limited in their effects," he said as the affected goods make up only a fraction of Japanese exports.

Japan's economy grew at a faster-than-expected clip in the second quarter, official data showed on Friday, helped by celebrations to usher in a new imperial era.

Japan's economy grew at a faster-than-expected clip in the second quarter, official data showed on Friday, helped by celebrations to usher in a new imperial era. Gross domestic product (GDP) in the world's third-biggest economy grew 0.4 per cent from the previous quarter, the Cabinet Office said, beating analysts' median forecast of 0.1 per cent. The third straight period of expansion will also bolster Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's determination to push through a controversial sales tax hike in October despite warnings it could weigh on growth. Shoppers are rushing to make purchases before the rate rises from eight per cent to 10 per cent on October 1 and this boost for consumption also helped push GDP higher, economists said. An unprecedented 10-day holiday for the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito, which kicked off a new imperial era in Japan, also pepped up the figures, according to analysts. However, trade frictions between the US and China weighed on exports and corporate spending in some sectors such as machinery, said Yuichiro Nagai, senior economist at Mizuho Securities. "But investments in software, research and development, and construction were good," he told AFP. Nagai said a rush by consumers to buy before the sales tax hike will likely become even more pronounced in the July-September quarter, helping Japan log another quarter of growth. And while the economy would likely contract in October-December due to the higher tax, it should rebound next year and avoid slipping into a recession, Nagai said. "There is uncertainty over where the trade war will go... With the US presidential election coming next year, however, I believe the main scenario is that they will find a compromise plan" later this year, he said. 'Additional monetary easing' The last time Japan hiked its sales tax, in 2014, the result was a slump in consumption and the wider economy and some economists have warned that now is not the time to raise the rate amid uncertainty over global trade and Brexit. But Tokyo has vowed to go through with the plan unless there is a crisis on the level of the 2008 financial meltdown and Abe has promised countermeasures to cushion the blow on the economy. SMBC Nikko Securities chief market economist Yoshimasa Maruyama said the Japanese economy would likely expand further in the July-September period but warned it could slide into a mild recession in October-December as the global economy slows. "By the time autumn comes, debates for a supplementary budget will start and calls for additional monetary easing will get louder," he said in a report released ahead of the GDP announcement. But Naoya Oshikubo, senior economist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management, was not so gloomy. "Going forward, central banks are expected to continue easing, and the Chinese government will likely announce fiscal measures, resulting in a global economic recovery, which should help Japan maintain its momentum," Oshikubo said in a report. Besides the planned tax hike, the impact from trade frictions between Japan and South Korea could be a headwind, he said. "But both should be limited in their effects," he said as the affected goods make up only a fraction of Japanese exports.

Japan economy grows faster than expected on new-era holidays

The mayor of Hiroshima urged Japan to sign a landmark UN treaty banning nuclear weapons as the city Tuesday marked 74 years since being targeted in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hiroshima-marks-73rd-anniversary-of-atomic-bombing-in-wwii-157247">world's first atomic attack</a>.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led commemorations at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima as residents offered silent prayers, lit candles and placed wreathes to remember those killed in the August 6, 1945 bombing.

And mayor Kazumi Matsui used the occasion to push the Abe administration to sign the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW), approved by more than 120 nations, but rejected by the US and other nuclear armed countries.

"I call on the government of the only country to experience a nuclear weapon in war to accede to the hibakusha's (atomic bomb victims) request that the TPNW be signed and ratified," said Matsui.

"I urge Japan's leaders to manifest the pacifism of the Japanese constitution by displaying leadership in taking the next step towards a world free from nuclear weapons."

The mayor urged world leaders to come to the city to see the memorial for themselves, amid expectations that Pope Francis will visit later this year.

The ongoing threat from atomic weapons in the region was demonstrated as nuclear-armed North Korea fired off two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast -- the latest in a series of tests.

Meanwhile, the US and Russia failed to renew a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-formally-withdraws-from-1987-nuclear-pact-with-russia-mike-pompeo-240169"> Cold War-era nuclear pact </a>last week, triggering renewed fears of an arms race.

Japan remains the only country to have experienced atomic attack -- against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, days ahead of the country's surrender on August 15, 1945 to end World War II.

For his part, Abe reiterated a pledge to serve as a "bridge" between nations with and without nuclear weapons to rid the world of them.

"With help from both sides, I will patiently encourage them to engage in dialogue and I am resolved to lead international efforts towards this end," he said.&nbsp;

The mayor of Hiroshima urged Japan to sign a landmark UN treaty banning nuclear weapons as the city Tuesday marked 74 years since being targeted in the world's first atomic attack.

The mayor of Hiroshima urged Japan to sign a landmark UN treaty banning nuclear weapons as the city Tuesday marked 74 years since being targeted in the world's first atomic attack. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe led commemorations at the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima as residents offered silent prayers, lit candles and placed wreathes to remember those killed in the August 6, 1945 bombing. And mayor Kazumi Matsui used the occasion to push the Abe administration to sign the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW), approved by more than 120 nations, but rejected by the US and other nuclear armed countries. "I call on the government of the only country to experience a nuclear weapon in war to accede to the hibakusha's (atomic bomb victims) request that the TPNW be signed and ratified," said Matsui. "I urge Japan's leaders to manifest the pacifism of the Japanese constitution by displaying leadership in taking the next step towards a world free from nuclear weapons." The mayor urged world leaders to come to the city to see the memorial for themselves, amid expectations that Pope Francis will visit later this year. The ongoing threat from atomic weapons in the region was demonstrated as nuclear-armed North Korea fired off two "unidentified projectiles" off its eastern coast -- the latest in a series of tests. Meanwhile, the US and Russia failed to renew a Cold War-era nuclear pact last week, triggering renewed fears of an arms race. Japan remains the only country to have experienced atomic attack -- against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, days ahead of the country's surrender on August 15, 1945 to end World War II. For his part, Abe reiterated a pledge to serve as a "bridge" between nations with and without nuclear weapons to rid the world of them. "With help from both sides, I will patiently encourage them to engage in dialogue and I am resolved to lead international efforts towards this end," he said.

Mayor urges Japan to sign UN nuke ban on Hiroshima anniversary

Japan&nbsp;and the United States have agreed to target a broad deal on bilateral trade by September, seeking to bridge differences of opinion over tariffs on beef and the automobile sector, the Nikkei business daily reported on Sunday.

As part of a drive to rectify what he claims are unfair global trade imbalances, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has been urging Tokyo to accelerate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-japan-trade-agreement-will-be-model-for- indo-pacific-pence-177013">trade talks</a> that would open up Japan's politically sensitive agriculture sector, as well as curbing&nbsp;Japan's US-bound auto exports.

The agreement to target a deal by September was reached during a meeting between&nbsp;Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in Washington DC, the Nikkei said, citing unidentified negotiating sources.

The paper said both sides hope to have a broad trade deal in place by the time&nbsp;Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on the sidelines of United Nations' general assembly scheduled for later in September in New York.

On Friday, Motegi told reporters after meeting Lighthizer that the two sides made "significant progress" in narrowing their differences on trade and agreed to hold another ministerial-level meeting later this month.

Washington seeks the early opening of&nbsp;Japan's agriculture sector including reductions in 38.5% tariffs on US&nbsp;beef imports, while&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;calls for the abolition of US&nbsp;tariffs on&nbsp;Japan's industrial goods such as car parts.

Trump and Abe could also look at producing some kind of trade accord later this month when they may meet on the sidelines of Group of Seven leaders' summit, the Nikkei added.

Japan and the United States have agreed to target a broad deal on bilateral trade by September, seeking to bridge differences of opinion over tariffs on beef and the automobile sector, the Nikkei business daily reported on Sunday.

Japan and the United States have agreed to target a broad deal on bilateral trade by September, seeking to bridge differences of opinion over tariffs on beef and the automobile sector, the Nikkei business daily reported on Sunday. As part of a drive to rectify what he claims are unfair global trade imbalances, US President Donald Trump has been urging Tokyo to accelerate trade talks that would open up Japan's politically sensitive agriculture sector, as well as curbing Japan's US-bound auto exports. The agreement to target a deal by September was reached during a meeting between Japanese Economy Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in Washington DC, the Nikkei said, citing unidentified negotiating sources. The paper said both sides hope to have a broad trade deal in place by the time Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of United Nations' general assembly scheduled for later in September in New York. On Friday, Motegi told reporters after meeting Lighthizer that the two sides made "significant progress" in narrowing their differences on trade and agreed to hold another ministerial-level meeting later this month. Washington seeks the early opening of Japan's agriculture sector including reductions in 38.5% tariffs on US beef imports, while Japan calls for the abolition of US tariffs on Japan's industrial goods such as car parts. Trump and Abe could also look at producing some kind of trade accord later this month when they may meet on the sidelines of Group of Seven leaders' summit, the Nikkei added.

Japan, US target broad bilateral trade deal by September: Report

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games.

The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark.

The event was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The medals, which are 85 millimetres in diameter, feature Greek goddess of victory Nike in their design along with the Olympic symbol and are made from recycled metals, collected from 6.21 million electronic devices donated across Japan.

Abe said he hoped next year's Games would have a similar impact as the 1964 Summer Games held in Tokyo.

"Sports brings the world together and it affords equal opportunities to all. That is what sports are about," said Abe. "Fifty-five years ago we learned that when we hosted it in Tokyo before.

"Next year we want to demonstrate that again and we want this to be an opportunity where we can do that."

Bach reiterated that Tokyo is the best-prepared city he has ever seen ahead of an Olympic Games.

"It will be a wonderful and unique moment for our gracious Japanese hosts. For you to show the world the best of Japan," added Bach.

Organisers believe they are on track to deliver a world-class sporting event next year and with 3.22 million tickets already sold and over 200,000 people applying to be volunteers, engagement in Japan is unprecedented.

The only reminder of the issues in the build-up to the Games on Wednesday was the presence of new Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Yasuhiro Yamashita on stage with Bach and Abe.

Yamashita took over at the JOC last month, following the resignation of Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated for suspected corruption related to the Tokyo 2020 bid.

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games. The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark.

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games. The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark. The event was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The medals, which are 85 millimetres in diameter, feature Greek goddess of victory Nike in their design along with the Olympic symbol and are made from recycled metals, collected from 6.21 million electronic devices donated across Japan. Abe said he hoped next year's Games would have a similar impact as the 1964 Summer Games held in Tokyo. "Sports brings the world together and it affords equal opportunities to all. That is what sports are about," said Abe. "Fifty-five years ago we learned that when we hosted it in Tokyo before. "Next year we want to demonstrate that again and we want this to be an opportunity where we can do that." Bach reiterated that Tokyo is the best-prepared city he has ever seen ahead of an Olympic Games. "It will be a wonderful and unique moment for our gracious Japanese hosts. For you to show the world the best of Japan," added Bach. Organisers believe they are on track to deliver a world-class sporting event next year and with 3.22 million tickets already sold and over 200,000 people applying to be volunteers, engagement in Japan is unprecedented. The only reminder of the issues in the build-up to the Games on Wednesday was the presence of new Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Yasuhiro Yamashita on stage with Bach and Abe. Yamashita took over at the JOC last month, following the resignation of Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated for suspected corruption related to the Tokyo 2020 bid.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 medals unveiled a year before Games

Japan's ruling coalition has retained its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-shinzo-abe-claims-victory-in-upper-house-election-237538">grip on the country's upper house</a>, but failed to secure a "supermajority" that would ease the path to constitutional reform, results showed Monday.

The outcome of Sunday's election means Shinzo Abe remains on track to become the country's longest-serving prime minister later this year, and shores up his mandate ahead of a tax hike in October.

He fell short however of achieving a "supermajority" of two-thirds of the seats in the upper house, a result that could have helped him achieve a long-running goal of amending the country's pacifist constitution.

But experts said that since many within Abe's coalition are uneasy about the plans, the failure to secure a supermajority was unlikely to change the prime minister's calculations significantly.

"Losing the supermajority is not necessarily a major setback for Abe," wrote analyst Tobias Harris of the Teneo consultancy group in a note.

"Instead, by leading the ruling coalition to another national election victory -– his sixth in his nearly seven years as LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) leader –- Abe has cemented his status atop Japan's political system," Harris added.

Abe's LDP and its coalition partner Komeito took 71 of the 124 seats up for grabs in Sunday's vote, accounting for about half of the upper chamber.

The two parties already control 70 seats in the other half of the 245-seat chamber that was not being contested.

Analysts said Abe's coalition has benefitted from a weak opposition, and voter turnout underscored apathy in the electorate, falling below 50 percent for the first time since a 1995 upper house election.

Abe has long harboured dreams of revising the constitution, which prohibits the country from waging war and maintaining a military.

But public support for revising the document is low and there is discomfort with the idea even among the ruling coalition.

Japan's ruling coalition has retained its grip on the country's upper house, but failed to secure a "supermajority" that would ease the path to constitutional reform, results showed Monday.

Japan's ruling coalition has retained its grip on the country's upper house, but failed to secure a "supermajority" that would ease the path to constitutional reform, results showed Monday. The outcome of Sunday's election means Shinzo Abe remains on track to become the country's longest-serving prime minister later this year, and shores up his mandate ahead of a tax hike in October. He fell short however of achieving a "supermajority" of two-thirds of the seats in the upper house, a result that could have helped him achieve a long-running goal of amending the country's pacifist constitution. But experts said that since many within Abe's coalition are uneasy about the plans, the failure to secure a supermajority was unlikely to change the prime minister's calculations significantly. "Losing the supermajority is not necessarily a major setback for Abe," wrote analyst Tobias Harris of the Teneo consultancy group in a note. "Instead, by leading the ruling coalition to another national election victory -– his sixth in his nearly seven years as LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) leader –- Abe has cemented his status atop Japan's political system," Harris added. Abe's LDP and its coalition partner Komeito took 71 of the 124 seats up for grabs in Sunday's vote, accounting for about half of the upper chamber. The two parties already control 70 seats in the other half of the 245-seat chamber that was not being contested. Analysts said Abe's coalition has benefitted from a weak opposition, and voter turnout underscored apathy in the electorate, falling below 50 percent for the first time since a 1995 upper house election. Abe has long harboured dreams of revising the constitution, which prohibits the country from waging war and maintaining a military. But public support for revising the document is low and there is discomfort with the idea even among the ruling coalition.

Japan's Shinzo Abe keeps upper house grip but no 'supermajority'

Shinzo Abe has declared victory in Japan's national elections with polls indicating his party has won a majority of seats in the upper house of Parliament, and is now set to become the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Shinzo Abe declares victory in Japan election

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed victory Sunday for his ruling coalition in the upper house election but appeared to fail to secure a "supermajority" in the chamber in support of his dream to amend the nation's pacifist constitution.

With the results, the 64-year-old Abe, who is on course to become Japan's longest-serving prime minister, aims to shore up his mandate ahead of a crucial consumption tax hike later this year, along with trade negotiations with Washington.

"The ruling parties were given a majority ... as people decided to urge us to firmly push for policies under the stable political base," Abe told public broadcaster NHK.

"I want to meet their expectations soundly," he said at the headquarters of his Liberal Democratic Party.

Abe's LDP and its coalition partner Komeito are forecast to take at least 69 of the 124 seats -- about half the chamber -- up for election on Sunday, with six seats still undecided, according to NHK.

The two parties control 70 seats in the half of the 245-seat chamber that is not being contested, putting them on track to maintain their overall majority.

NHK's projection and similar estimates by other media are based on exit polling and other analysis.&nbsp;

Final numbers were not expected until Monday at the earliest.

"The results, which were within expectations, indicated that voters chose the status quo, not a change," Shinichi Nishikawa, professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP.

Abe is almost certain to stay in power until November when he will break the record for the nation's longest-serving premier held by Taro Katsura, a revered politician who served three times between 1901 and 1913.

Amend the constitution

Local media also predicted that forces in favour of revising the constitution, led by Abe's LDP, were certain to fail to reach 85 of the seats up for grabs, which would give them a two-thirds "supermajority" in the chamber.

Following the vote, however, Abe said he would continue trying to expand support for the revision even if the pro-revision group eventually misses the target, necessary for proposing a constitutional amendment.

Abe has pledged to "clearly stipulate the role of the Self-Defence Forces in the constitution," which prohibits Japan from waging war and maintaining a military.

The provisions, imposed by the United States after World War II, are popular with the public at large but reviled by nationalists like Abe, who see them as outdated and punitive.

However, any constitutional revision also requires approval in a national referendum.

While the ruling coalition appeared to win voters' confidence, "tough situations are still ahead," said Koji Nakakita, professor of politics at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo.

Among his imminent tasks is to "smoothly" raise the consumption tax to 10 per cent in October as part of efforts to ease swelling social security costs in the "ultra-aged" country, Nakakita said.

"Also, the trade dispute with the US is a headache while it's hard for Japan to make a decision on Hormuz," he said, referring to the US calls for an international flotilla to escort oil tankers through the Hormuz Strait.

Voter turnout was expected to be lower than 50 per cent for the first time since the 1995 upper house election, NHK said.

"I support the current government because I see no alternative," said Yoshiko Iida, a 45-year-old beauty therapist.

"Opposition parties are woeful," she told AFP. "I don't want to leave power to them."

Susumu Rokkaku, an 85-year-old male pensioner, said: "I voted for an opposition candidate but whoever is elected, nothing will change. I have no expectations.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed victory Sunday for his ruling coalition in the upper house election but appeared to fail to secure a "supermajority" in the chamber in support of his dream to amend the nation's pacifist constitution.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed victory Sunday for his ruling coalition in the upper house election but appeared to fail to secure a "supermajority" in the chamber in support of his dream to amend the nation's pacifist constitution. With the results, the 64-year-old Abe, who is on course to become Japan's longest-serving prime minister, aims to shore up his mandate ahead of a crucial consumption tax hike later this year, along with trade negotiations with Washington. "The ruling parties were given a majority ... as people decided to urge us to firmly push for policies under the stable political base," Abe told public broadcaster NHK. "I want to meet their expectations soundly," he said at the headquarters of his Liberal Democratic Party. Abe's LDP and its coalition partner Komeito are forecast to take at least 69 of the 124 seats -- about half the chamber -- up for election on Sunday, with six seats still undecided, according to NHK. The two parties control 70 seats in the half of the 245-seat chamber that is not being contested, putting them on track to maintain their overall majority. NHK's projection and similar estimates by other media are based on exit polling and other analysis. Final numbers were not expected until Monday at the earliest. "The results, which were within expectations, indicated that voters chose the status quo, not a change," Shinichi Nishikawa, professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP. Abe is almost certain to stay in power until November when he will break the record for the nation's longest-serving premier held by Taro Katsura, a revered politician who served three times between 1901 and 1913. Amend the constitution Local media also predicted that forces in favour of revising the constitution, led by Abe's LDP, were certain to fail to reach 85 of the seats up for grabs, which would give them a two-thirds "supermajority" in the chamber. Following the vote, however, Abe said he would continue trying to expand support for the revision even if the pro-revision group eventually misses the target, necessary for proposing a constitutional amendment. Abe has pledged to "clearly stipulate the role of the Self-Defence Forces in the constitution," which prohibits Japan from waging war and maintaining a military. The provisions, imposed by the United States after World War II, are popular with the public at large but reviled by nationalists like Abe, who see them as outdated and punitive. However, any constitutional revision also requires approval in a national referendum. While the ruling coalition appeared to win voters' confidence, "tough situations are still ahead," said Koji Nakakita, professor of politics at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo. Among his imminent tasks is to "smoothly" raise the consumption tax to 10 per cent in October as part of efforts to ease swelling social security costs in the "ultra-aged" country, Nakakita said. "Also, the trade dispute with the US is a headache while it's hard for Japan to make a decision on Hormuz," he said, referring to the US calls for an international flotilla to escort oil tankers through the Hormuz Strait. Voter turnout was expected to be lower than 50 per cent for the first time since the 1995 upper house election, NHK said. "I support the current government because I see no alternative," said Yoshiko Iida, a 45-year-old beauty therapist. "Opposition parties are woeful," she told AFP. "I don't want to leave power to them." Susumu Rokkaku, an 85-year-old male pensioner, said: "I voted for an opposition candidate but whoever is elected, nothing will change. I have no expectations.

Japan's Shinzo Abe claims victory in upper house election

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-shinzo-abe-calls-for-strengthing-ties-with-india-221913">Japan</a> stands ready to take all possible steps flexibly and without hesitation when downside risks to the economy emerge, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, as simmering Sino-US trade war clouds the outlook for the export-reliant economy.

Speaking on Monday after his ruling coalition kept a solid majority in upper house elections, Abe pledged to continue to make the economy his top priority, to put a decisive end to roughly two decades of deflation.

China's slowing economy, its trade war with the United States and spreading protectionism have led to a seventh straight monthly fall in Japan's exports and weakened factory output, threatening to derail the world's third-largest economy.

"Uncertainty remains over the global economic outlook such as trade frictions and Britain's exit from the European Union," Abe told a news conference. "We'll respond to downside risks without hesitation and take flexible and all possible steps.

"Based on a stable political basis, the Abe cabinet will take more aggressive and bold economic measures than ever."

Japanese policymakers are counting on solid domestic demand to offset the external headwinds, but a scheduled hike in sales tax, to 10 per cent from 8 per cent now, threatens that scenario, analysts say.

Abe has twice delayed the planned hike since the previous tax increase to 8 per cent, from 5 per cent, dealt a severe blow to private consumption, which accounts for about 60 per cent of the economy, and triggered a deep economic downturn.

To prevent a repeat of the tax hike pain, Abe's government has earmarked 2 trillion yen ($18.53 billion) in stimulus measures in this fiscal year's budget including free education, shopping vouchers, tax breaks on car and housing purchases.

"We will underpin domestic consumption which accounts for the bulk of the economy by taking sufficient measures," Abe said.

Late on Sunday, Abe said he would take economic stimulus steps if there was a risk of the economy faltering.

With monetary policy stretched, after more than six years of easy money has dried up the bond market and squeezed banks' profit margins, analysts say Japan must fight the next recession with fiscal stimulus through a combination of monetary easing.

"If the economy falls into a recession, Japan would resort to a large-scale fiscal stimulus with the Bank of Japan effectively financing debt through its yield curve control," said Ryutaro Kono, chief economist at BNP Paribas Securities.

($1=107.9300 yen)

Japan stands ready to take all possible steps flexibly and without hesitation when downside risks to the economy emerge, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, as simmering Sino-US trade war clouds the outlook for the export-reliant economy.

Japan stands ready to take all possible steps flexibly and without hesitation when downside risks to the economy emerge, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, as simmering Sino-US trade war clouds the outlook for the export-reliant economy. Speaking on Monday after his ruling coalition kept a solid majority in upper house elections, Abe pledged to continue to make the economy his top priority, to put a decisive end to roughly two decades of deflation. China's slowing economy, its trade war with the United States and spreading protectionism have led to a seventh straight monthly fall in Japan's exports and weakened factory output, threatening to derail the world's third-largest economy. "Uncertainty remains over the global economic outlook such as trade frictions and Britain's exit from the European Union," Abe told a news conference. "We'll respond to downside risks without hesitation and take flexible and all possible steps. "Based on a stable political basis, the Abe cabinet will take more aggressive and bold economic measures than ever." Japanese policymakers are counting on solid domestic demand to offset the external headwinds, but a scheduled hike in sales tax, to 10 per cent from 8 per cent now, threatens that scenario, analysts say. Abe has twice delayed the planned hike since the previous tax increase to 8 per cent, from 5 per cent, dealt a severe blow to private consumption, which accounts for about 60 per cent of the economy, and triggered a deep economic downturn. To prevent a repeat of the tax hike pain, Abe's government has earmarked 2 trillion yen ($18.53 billion) in stimulus measures in this fiscal year's budget including free education, shopping vouchers, tax breaks on car and housing purchases. "We will underpin domestic consumption which accounts for the bulk of the economy by taking sufficient measures," Abe said. Late on Sunday, Abe said he would take economic stimulus steps if there was a risk of the economy faltering. With monetary policy stretched, after more than six years of easy money has dried up the bond market and squeezed banks' profit margins, analysts say Japan must fight the next recession with fiscal stimulus through a combination of monetary easing. "If the economy falls into a recession, Japan would resort to a large-scale fiscal stimulus with the Bank of Japan effectively financing debt through its yield curve control," said Ryutaro Kono, chief economist at BNP Paribas Securities. ($1=107.9300 yen)

Japan's Shinzo Abe vows flexible steps in case of downside economic risks

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, the Komeito party, look set to retain a solid majority in parliament`s upper house in Sunday`s election, media surveys show.

Up in the air, however, is whether the ruling bloc, along with the smaller Japan Innovation Party and independents, will keep the two-thirds majority necessary for Abe to have a chance of achieving his goal of revising the pacifist constitution.

Below are key facts about the upper house election and important numbers to watch.

WHAT IS THE UPPER HOUSE?&nbsp;

The upper house is the less powerful of parliament`s two chambers. It lacks the authority to select a prime minister, and budgets and treaties can be enacted without its approval.

But the chamber can reject other bills approved by the lower house, and the legislation can then only be enacted by a two-thirds majority of the lower chamber. Abe`s ruling bloc holds a two-thirds majority in the lower chamber.

The number of upper house seats will increase by three to 245 after Sunday`s election when 124 of the seats will be up for grabs. The total number of seats will be raised by another three to 248 in three years when the next upper house election is held.

HOW THE ELECTION WORKS

Of the 124 seats at stake, 74 are for prefectural or provincial constituencies, each with one to six seats, where candidates with the most votes win.

Another 50 seats are from a nationwide proportional representation bloc, where voters choose either a candidate or a party, and seats are allotted based on the total number of votes cast for parties and their candidates.

FIFTY-THREE, SIXTY-THREE, EIGHTY-FIVE

Abe`s ruling bloc holds 70 seats that are not up for re-election and therefore needs to win 53 of the 124 seats being contested to maintain a majority, his stated target.&nbsp;

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito party need to obtain a combined 63 seats to win more than half of the seats in contention and tighten their grip on power.

The ruling bloc, coupled with the Japan Innovation Party and independents who are open to constitutional revision, hold 79 uncontested seats, and need to take 85 seats on Sunday to keep a two-thirds majority, according to media calculations.

A constitutional revision requires approval by two-thirds of both chambers of parliament and a majority in a public referendum. The pro-revision camp holds a two-thirds majority in the lower house.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, the Komeito party, look set to retain a solid majority in parliament`s upper house in Sunday`s election, media surveys show.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, the Komeito party, look set to retain a solid majority in parliament`s upper house in Sunday`s election, media surveys show. Up in the air, however, is whether the ruling bloc, along with the smaller Japan Innovation Party and independents, will keep the two-thirds majority necessary for Abe to have a chance of achieving his goal of revising the pacifist constitution. Below are key facts about the upper house election and important numbers to watch. WHAT IS THE UPPER HOUSE? The upper house is the less powerful of parliament`s two chambers. It lacks the authority to select a prime minister, and budgets and treaties can be enacted without its approval. But the chamber can reject other bills approved by the lower house, and the legislation can then only be enacted by a two-thirds majority of the lower chamber. Abe`s ruling bloc holds a two-thirds majority in the lower chamber. The number of upper house seats will increase by three to 245 after Sunday`s election when 124 of the seats will be up for grabs. The total number of seats will be raised by another three to 248 in three years when the next upper house election is held. HOW THE ELECTION WORKS Of the 124 seats at stake, 74 are for prefectural or provincial constituencies, each with one to six seats, where candidates with the most votes win. Another 50 seats are from a nationwide proportional representation bloc, where voters choose either a candidate or a party, and seats are allotted based on the total number of votes cast for parties and their candidates. FIFTY-THREE, SIXTY-THREE, EIGHTY-FIVE Abe`s ruling bloc holds 70 seats that are not up for re-election and therefore needs to win 53 of the 124 seats being contested to maintain a majority, his stated target. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito party need to obtain a combined 63 seats to win more than half of the seats in contention and tighten their grip on power. The ruling bloc, coupled with the Japan Innovation Party and independents who are open to constitutional revision, hold 79 uncontested seats, and need to take 85 seats on Sunday to keep a two-thirds majority, according to media calculations. A constitutional revision requires approval by two-thirds of both chambers of parliament and a majority in a public referendum. The pro-revision camp holds a two-thirds majority in the lower house.

Key facts and numbers to watch in Japanese election

Japanese voters cast ballots Sunday in an upper house election, with Shinzo Abe's ruling bloc looking to protect its majority and keep on track plans to amend the country's pacifist constitution.

The 64-year-old Abe, who is on course to become Japan's longest-serving prime minister, is also hoping to shore up his mandate ahead of a crucial consumption tax hike later this year, along with trade negotiations with Washington.

Opinion polls suggest his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito are likely to win a majority, mostly due to a lacklustre opposition.

Sunday's vote is for half the seats in the House of Councillors -- the less powerful upper house of parliament -- and polling stations across the country open at 7:00 am (2200 GMT Saturday).

The vote outcome is expected to become clear shortly after the polls close at 8:00 pm, with pollsters suggesting turnout could be lower than 50 per cent -- significantly less than usual.

Abe's ruling coalition is forecast to win a solid majority of the 124 seats contested in the election, according to pre-election surveys.

The two parties control 70 seats in the half of the chamber that is not being contested, meaning the projections put them on track to maintain their overall majority in the body.

"Abe's strength is largely based on passive support resulting from disarray in the opposition camp and a lack of rivals," Shinichi Nishikawa, professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP.

A win means Abe should be able to stay in power until November when he will break the record of the nation's longest-serving premiership held by Taro Katsura, a revered politician who served three times between 1901 and 1913.

Amend constitution

During campaigns, Abe's ruling coalition has sought to win voter support for a rise in the nation's consumption tax to 10 per cent later this year as part of efforts to ease swelling social security costs in the "ultra-aged" country.

Abe is also hoping that his coalition and a loose group of conservatives from smaller opposition parties can grab a two-thirds majority in the upper house, giving him the support to move ahead with plans to amend the constitution's provisions on the military.

"This is an election to decide whether to pick parties who take responsibility for firm discussions on the constitution," Abe told voters in a campaign speech earlier this month.

Abe vowed to "clearly stipulate the role of the Self-Defence Forces in the constitution," which prohibits Japan from waging war and maintaining a military.

The provisions, imposed by the US forces after World War II, are popular in the public at large but reviled by nationalists like Abe, who see them as outdated and punitive.

Local media predict that forces in favour of revising the constitution, led by Abe's LDP, are likely to win close to 85 of the seats being contested, giving them a "supermajority" in the chamber.

"Since the ruling coalition is widely expected to win the election, attention is now focused on whether the pro-revision forces can win a two-thirds majority," Nishikawa said.

But even if Abe secures it, any constitutional revision also requires approval in a national referendum -- a result that is far from guaranteed.

Japanese voters cast ballots Sunday in an upper house election, with Shinzo Abe's ruling bloc looking to protect its majority and keep on track plans to amend the country's pacifist constitution.

Japanese voters cast ballots Sunday in an upper house election, with Shinzo Abe's ruling bloc looking to protect its majority and keep on track plans to amend the country's pacifist constitution. The 64-year-old Abe, who is on course to become Japan's longest-serving prime minister, is also hoping to shore up his mandate ahead of a crucial consumption tax hike later this year, along with trade negotiations with Washington. Opinion polls suggest his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito are likely to win a majority, mostly due to a lacklustre opposition. Sunday's vote is for half the seats in the House of Councillors -- the less powerful upper house of parliament -- and polling stations across the country open at 7:00 am (2200 GMT Saturday). The vote outcome is expected to become clear shortly after the polls close at 8:00 pm, with pollsters suggesting turnout could be lower than 50 per cent -- significantly less than usual. Abe's ruling coalition is forecast to win a solid majority of the 124 seats contested in the election, according to pre-election surveys. The two parties control 70 seats in the half of the chamber that is not being contested, meaning the projections put them on track to maintain their overall majority in the body. "Abe's strength is largely based on passive support resulting from disarray in the opposition camp and a lack of rivals," Shinichi Nishikawa, professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP. A win means Abe should be able to stay in power until November when he will break the record of the nation's longest-serving premiership held by Taro Katsura, a revered politician who served three times between 1901 and 1913. Amend constitution During campaigns, Abe's ruling coalition has sought to win voter support for a rise in the nation's consumption tax to 10 per cent later this year as part of efforts to ease swelling social security costs in the "ultra-aged" country. Abe is also hoping that his coalition and a loose group of conservatives from smaller opposition parties can grab a two-thirds majority in the upper house, giving him the support to move ahead with plans to amend the constitution's provisions on the military. "This is an election to decide whether to pick parties who take responsibility for firm discussions on the constitution," Abe told voters in a campaign speech earlier this month. Abe vowed to "clearly stipulate the role of the Self-Defence Forces in the constitution," which prohibits Japan from waging war and maintaining a military. The provisions, imposed by the US forces after World War II, are popular in the public at large but reviled by nationalists like Abe, who see them as outdated and punitive. Local media predict that forces in favour of revising the constitution, led by Abe's LDP, are likely to win close to 85 of the seats being contested, giving them a "supermajority" in the chamber. "Since the ruling coalition is widely expected to win the election, attention is now focused on whether the pro-revision forces can win a two-thirds majority," Nishikawa said. But even if Abe secures it, any constitutional revision also requires approval in a national referendum -- a result that is far from guaranteed.

Japan votes in upper house election

Japanese voters cast ballots Sunday in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-votes-in-upper-house-election-237359">upper house election</a>, with Shinzo Abe's ruling bloc looking to protect its majority and keep on track plans to amend the country's pacifist constitution.

The 64-year-old Abe, who is on course to become Japan's longest-serving prime minister, is also hoping to shore up his mandate ahead of a crucial consumption tax hike later this year, along with trade negotiations with Washington.

Opinion polls suggest his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito are likely to win a majority, mostly due to a lacklustre opposition.

Sunday's vote is for half the seats in the House of Councillors -- the less powerful upper house of parliament.

Voting began across the country at 7:00 am (2200 GMT Saturday) with the outcome expected to become clear shortly after the polls close at 8:00 pm.

Pollsters suggested turnout could be lower than 50 per cent, significantly less than usual.

"I support the current government because I see no alternative," said Yoshiko Iida, a 45-year-old beauty therapist.

"Opposition parties are woeful," she told AFP. "I don't want to leave power to them."

Susumu Rokkaku, an 85-year-old male pensioner, said,&nbsp;"I voted for an opposition candidate but whoever is elected, nothing will change. I have no expectations."

Abe's ruling coalition is forecast to win a solid majority of the 124 seats up for grabs, according to pre-election surveys.

The two parties control 70 seats in the half of the chamber that is not being contested, putting them on track to maintain their overall majority.

"Abe's strength is largely based on passive support resulting from disarray in the opposition camp and a lack of rivals," Shinichi Nishikawa, professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP.

If he wins, Abe should be able to stay in power until November when he will break the record of the nation's longest-serving premiership held by Taro Katsura, a revered politician who served three times between 1901 and 1913.

Amend constitution

During campaigns, Abe's ruling coalition has sought to win voter support for a rise in the nation's consumption tax to 10 per cent later this year as part of efforts to ease swelling social security costs in the "ultra-aged" country.

Abe is hoping that his coalition and a loose group of conservatives from smaller opposition parties can grab a two-thirds majority in the upper house, giving him the support to move ahead with plans to amend the constitution's provisions on the military.

Abe vowed earlier this month to "clearly stipulate the role of the Self-Defence Forces in the constitution," which prohibits Japan from waging war and maintaining a military.

The provisions, imposed by the United States after World War II, are popular with the public at large but reviled by nationalists like Abe, who see them as outdated and punitive.

Local media predict that forces in favour of revising the constitution, led by Abe's LDP, are likely to win close to 85 of the seats up for grabs, giving them a "supermajority" in the chamber.

"Since the ruling coalition is widely expected to win the election, attention is now focused on whether the pro-revision forces can win a two-thirds majority," Nishikawa said.

However, any constitutional revision also requires approval in a national referendum.

Voter turnout stood at 18.02 per cent as of 2:00 pm (0500 GMT), down 4.52 points from the 2016 election.

But early voting hit a record 14 million by Friday, accounting for some 13 per cent of the nation's eligible voters, according to the government.

Japanese voters cast ballots Sunday in an upper house election, with Shinzo Abe's ruling bloc looking to protect its majority and keep on track plans to amend the country's pacifist constitution. The 64-year-old Abe, who is on course to become Japan's longest-serving prime minister, is also hoping to shore up his mandate ahead of a crucial consumption tax hike later this year, along with trade negotiations with Washington. Opinion polls suggest his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito are likely to win a majority, mostly due to a lacklustre opposition. Sunday's vote is for half the seats in the House of Councillors -- the less powerful upper house of parliament. Voting began across the country at 7:00 am (2200 GMT Saturday) with the outcome expected to become clear shortly after the polls close at 8:00 pm. Pollsters suggested turnout could be lower than 50 per cent, significantly less than usual. "I support the current government because I see no alternative," said Yoshiko Iida, a 45-year-old beauty therapist. "Opposition parties are woeful," she told AFP. "I don't want to leave power to them." Susumu Rokkaku, an 85-year-old male pensioner, said, "I voted for an opposition candidate but whoever is elected, nothing will change. I have no expectations." Abe's ruling coalition is forecast to win a solid majority of the 124 seats up for grabs, according to pre-election surveys. The two parties control 70 seats in the half of the chamber that is not being contested, putting them on track to maintain their overall majority. "Abe's strength is largely based on passive support resulting from disarray in the opposition camp and a lack of rivals," Shinichi Nishikawa, professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP. If he wins, Abe should be able to stay in power until November when he will break the record of the nation's longest-serving premiership held by Taro Katsura, a revered politician who served three times between 1901 and 1913. Amend constitution During campaigns, Abe's ruling coalition has sought to win voter support for a rise in the nation's consumption tax to 10 per cent later this year as part of efforts to ease swelling social security costs in the "ultra-aged" country. Abe is hoping that his coalition and a loose group of conservatives from smaller opposition parties can grab a two-thirds majority in the upper house, giving him the support to move ahead with plans to amend the constitution's provisions on the military. Abe vowed earlier this month to "clearly stipulate the role of the Self-Defence Forces in the constitution," which prohibits Japan from waging war and maintaining a military. The provisions, imposed by the United States after World War II, are popular with the public at large but reviled by nationalists like Abe, who see them as outdated and punitive. Local media predict that forces in favour of revising the constitution, led by Abe's LDP, are likely to win close to 85 of the seats up for grabs, giving them a "supermajority" in the chamber. "Since the ruling coalition is widely expected to win the election, attention is now focused on whether the pro-revision forces can win a two-thirds majority," Nishikawa said. However, any constitutional revision also requires approval in a national referendum. Voter turnout stood at 18.02 per cent as of 2:00 pm (0500 GMT), down 4.52 points from the 2016 election. But early voting hit a record 14 million by Friday, accounting for some 13 per cent of the nation's eligible voters, according to the government.

Japan's Shinzo Abe on course to retain majority in upper house election

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