Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the&nbsp;leadership of the&nbsp;ruling&nbsp;party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election.

Suga repeated he would seek re-election in the&nbsp;Sept.&nbsp;29&nbsp;race for Liberal Democratic&nbsp;Party&nbsp;(LDP) president, while ex-internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi also threw her hat in the ring.

The winner is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the&nbsp;LDP's majority in parliament's lower house. The&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;chief must lead the&nbsp;party&nbsp;to a general election by Nov. 28, which the Sankei newspaper said will be held in October or later. [L1N2PX0E0]

"The people feel that their voices are not reaching the&nbsp;LDP," Kishida, 64, told a news conference.

"I am running ... to show that the&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;listens to the people and is a&nbsp;party&nbsp;that offers broad choices, and to protect our nation's democracy," said Kishida, adding he would aim for a more equitable, diverse society.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghanistan-minister-now-delivers-pizzas-in-germany-report-408316">Also read |&nbsp;Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report</a>

The challenges to Suga may not topple him as&nbsp;leader, said Hiroyuki Ueno, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management. "My sense is, most people in markets expect Suga to win unless he decides to quit by himself."

The&nbsp;LDP-led coalition is not expected to lose its majority in the powerful lower house, but forecasts suggest that Suga's&nbsp;party&nbsp;could lose the majority that it&nbsp;holds on its own, an outcome that would weaken whoever is leading the&nbsp;LDP.

Suga, 72, took office last&nbsp;September with support of about 70% but his ratings have sunk below 30% as Japan battles its worst wave of COVID-19 infections and many of his&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;lawmakers fear for their seats.

LDP&nbsp;Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, who was key to Suga's victory last year, said on Wednesday he still backs the prime minister. The&nbsp;party's smallest faction, led by former cabinet minister Nobuteru Ishihara, was also lining up behind Suga, Jiji news agency reported.

Other&nbsp;party&nbsp;bosses, including former premier Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso, have not commented publicly.

KISHIDA LOW-KEY, LOW-POPULARITY

Unlike last year, grass-roots&nbsp;LDP&nbsp;members will vote along with the&nbsp;party's members of parliament, which could make the outcome harder to predict. And novice MPs, fearful of losing their seats, may be wary of following their elders' orders.

Kishida, a soft-spoken lawmaker from Hiroshima, had been seen as the preferred heir to Abe, who stepped down last year as prime minister citing ill health.

But Kishida lost the ensuing&nbsp;party&nbsp;poll after factions coalesced around Suga, who had been Abe's right-hand man for eight years.

Kishida said he'd aim to reduce income gaps and support the economically vulnerable such as workers in insecure jobs and women, an apparent effort to differentiate his stance from Suga, who has stressed self-reliance before public support.

He called for an economic stimulus package as soon as possible, but did not specify its size.

The low-key Kishida has ranked low in surveys of voters' preferred next prime minister, well below other possible rivals such as Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono, who is leading&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;vaccination rollout, and former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba.

"Unless they chose someone like Ishiba who is more popular with the public, it will be hard to recover lost support," said Hiroyoshi Sunakawa, a professor at Tokyo's Rikkyo University.

Takaichi, a conservative Abe disciple seen as a long-shot to become&nbsp;Japan's&nbsp;first female premier, told reporters she wanted to finish what Abe had left undone, including hitting a 2% inflation target that has eluded policy makers.

Suga had hoped to call the general election in&nbsp;September after hosting the Olympics, but a spike in COVID-19 cases upended that scenario.

Suga's pandemic response suffered another setback after Moderna Inc said it has withheld 1.63 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Japan after a report of contamination.

Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the leadership of the ruling party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election.

Japanese former foreign minister Fumio Kishida challenged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Thursday for the leadership of the ruling party, as the premier struggles with crumbling approval rates ahead of a general election. Suga repeated he would seek re-election in the Sept. 29 race for Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president, while ex-internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi also threw her hat in the ring. The winner is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the LDP's majority in parliament's lower house. The LDP chief must lead the party to a general election by Nov. 28, which the Sankei newspaper said will be held in October or later. [L1N2PX0E0] "The people feel that their voices are not reaching the LDP," Kishida, 64, told a news conference. "I am running ... to show that the LDP listens to the people and is a party that offers broad choices, and to protect our nation's democracy," said Kishida, adding he would aim for a more equitable, diverse society. Also read | Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report The challenges to Suga may not topple him as leader, said Hiroyuki Ueno, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management. "My sense is, most people in markets expect Suga to win unless he decides to quit by himself." The LDP-led coalition is not expected to lose its majority in the powerful lower house, but forecasts suggest that Suga's party could lose the majority that it holds on its own, an outcome that would weaken whoever is leading the LDP. Suga, 72, took office last September with support of about 70% but his ratings have sunk below 30% as Japan battles its worst wave of COVID-19 infections and many of his LDP lawmakers fear for their seats. LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai, who was key to Suga's victory last year, said on Wednesday he still backs the prime minister. The party's smallest faction, led by former cabinet minister Nobuteru Ishihara, was also lining up behind Suga, Jiji news agency reported. Other party bosses, including former premier Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso, have not commented publicly. KISHIDA LOW-KEY, LOW-POPULARITY Unlike last year, grass-roots LDP members will vote along with the party's members of parliament, which could make the outcome harder to predict. And novice MPs, fearful of losing their seats, may be wary of following their elders' orders. Kishida, a soft-spoken lawmaker from Hiroshima, had been seen as the preferred heir to Abe, who stepped down last year as prime minister citing ill health. But Kishida lost the ensuing party poll after factions coalesced around Suga, who had been Abe's right-hand man for eight years. Kishida said he'd aim to reduce income gaps and support the economically vulnerable such as workers in insecure jobs and women, an apparent effort to differentiate his stance from Suga, who has stressed self-reliance before public support. He called for an economic stimulus package as soon as possible, but did not specify its size. The low-key Kishida has ranked low in surveys of voters' preferred next prime minister, well below other possible rivals such as Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono, who is leading Japan's vaccination rollout, and former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba. "Unless they chose someone like Ishiba who is more popular with the public, it will be hard to recover lost support," said Hiroyoshi Sunakawa, a professor at Tokyo's Rikkyo University. Takaichi, a conservative Abe disciple seen as a long-shot to become Japan's first female premier, told reporters she wanted to finish what Abe had left undone, including hitting a 2% inflation target that has eluded policy makers. Suga had hoped to call the general election in September after hosting the Olympics, but a spike in COVID-19 cases upended that scenario. Suga's pandemic response suffered another setback after Moderna Inc said it has withheld 1.63 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Japan after a report of contamination.

Japan's Suga faces challengers in ruling party leadership race

An old video of the BTS has been doing the rounds of the internet where band member Suga can be seen breaking down. Turns out the video dates back to 2016 and had Suga's parents in the audience.&nbsp; 
 
Suga saw his parents at the concert and broke down in tears and bowed. The clip also has Jimin comforting him as he continued to cry.&nbsp; 
 
K-pop boyband BTS is a global phenomenon now but their road to success has ot been easy. They have faced many roadblocks and not every band member's parents were okay with them turning musicians and record producers. And so Suga getting emotional about watching his parents in the audience had relevance.&nbsp; 
 
In an old interview with Rolling Stone, the rapper revealed that his parents had never understood rap, as it ‘wasn’t part of the music they listened to’. “My parents didn’t understand rap. They are a generation apart from myself, and they never listened to rap; it wasn’t part of the music that they listened to. So it’s only natural they were against what I was doing. And, of course, being a musician is a very unstable profession as well.”

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/epAJmyv5H-I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> 
 
The rapper added that he understood where his parents came from, and this actually helped him to work harder. “So I can understand perfectly why my parents were against what I was doing. But I think that motivated me or helped me work harder because there was something that I now had to prove. I had to show my parents it was possible. So it drove and motivated me to work even harder.” 
 
Despite the ongoing pandemic, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-to-attend-the-un-general-assembly-again-appointed-as-special-presidential-envoy-for-culture-399396">BTS has had a good year with their singles topping charts worldwide.</a> They have even been appointed as the "Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture' by the President of South Korea Moon Jae In. The group will now be attending the United Nations General Assembly which will be held in September.&nbsp;

An old video of the BTS has been doing the rounds of the internet where band member Suga can be seen breaking down. Turns out the video dates back to 2016 and had Suga's parents in the audience.

An old video of the BTS has been doing the rounds of the internet where band member Suga can be seen breaking down. Turns out the video dates back to 2016 and had Suga's parents in the audience. Suga saw his parents at the concert and broke down in tears and bowed. The clip also has Jimin comforting him as he continued to cry. K-pop boyband BTS is a global phenomenon now but their road to success has ot been easy. They have faced many roadblocks and not every band member's parents were okay with them turning musicians and record producers. And so Suga getting emotional about watching his parents in the audience had relevance. In an old interview with Rolling Stone, the rapper revealed that his parents had never understood rap, as it ‘wasn’t part of the music they listened to’. “My parents didn’t understand rap. They are a generation apart from myself, and they never listened to rap; it wasn’t part of the music that they listened to. So it’s only natural they were against what I was doing. And, of course, being a musician is a very unstable profession as well.” The rapper added that he understood where his parents came from, and this actually helped him to work harder. “So I can understand perfectly why my parents were against what I was doing. But I think that motivated me or helped me work harder because there was something that I now had to prove. I had to show my parents it was possible. So it drove and motivated me to work even harder.” Despite the ongoing pandemic, BTS has had a good year with their singles topping charts worldwide. They have even been appointed as the "Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture' by the President of South Korea Moon Jae In. The group will now be attending the United Nations General Assembly which will be held in September.

Watch: BTS band member Suga breaks down as he spots his parents in audience during concert

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday. 
 
The report of Moon's visit comes amid a political uproar in Seoul triggered by comments by a Japanese diplomat on Moon that created new tension in already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. 
 
Moon's office said on Monday the visit was still uncertain. 
 
The leaders are likely to discuss issues that have strained relations over generations, including compensation for people forced to work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Yomiuri report said. 
 
Japan is also planning to replace a senior Seoul-based diplomat after his widely reported comment last week likening Moon's dealings with Japan to "masturbation", the Yomiuri said. 
 
On Monday, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement that the two countries were in discussions but that there has been no decision on a trip by Moon. 
 
"It is still uncertain whether a visit to Japan and a meeting will take place as there has been no satisfactory action taken by the Japanese side over the last-minute obstacle to a (summit) meeting," it said. 
 
South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Friday that a senior diplomat at Japan's embassy in Seoul had said Moon was "masturbating" when describing the South Korean leader's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo. 
 
South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, summoned Japan's Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on Saturday to protest. 
 
"He also demanded the Japanese government to promptly take tangible and due steps to prevent a recurrence of such situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement. 
 
A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said no one could immediately comment on the reports. 
 
Suga this month called relations between Japan and South Korea "very difficult", adding that it was up to Seoul to provide a response to the problems. South Korea's presidential Blue House has said a visit by Moon may be possible if he could meet Suga and if progress on some agreements could be expected.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold their first in-person summit on Friday, coinciding with the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's Yomiuri newspaper reported on Monday. The report of Moon's visit comes amid a political uproar in Seoul triggered by comments by a Japanese diplomat on Moon that created new tension in already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. Moon's office said on Monday the visit was still uncertain. The leaders are likely to discuss issues that have strained relations over generations, including compensation for people forced to work in Japanese firms and military brothels during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Yomiuri report said. Japan is also planning to replace a senior Seoul-based diplomat after his widely reported comment last week likening Moon's dealings with Japan to "masturbation", the Yomiuri said. On Monday, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement that the two countries were in discussions but that there has been no decision on a trip by Moon. "It is still uncertain whether a visit to Japan and a meeting will take place as there has been no satisfactory action taken by the Japanese side over the last-minute obstacle to a (summit) meeting," it said. South Korean broadcaster JTBC reported on Friday that a senior diplomat at Japan's embassy in Seoul had said Moon was "masturbating" when describing the South Korean leader's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo. South Korea’s vice foreign minister, Choi Jong-kun, summoned Japan's Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi on Saturday to protest. "He also demanded the Japanese government to promptly take tangible and due steps to prevent a recurrence of such situation," the foreign ministry said in a statement. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said no one could immediately comment on the reports. Suga this month called relations between Japan and South Korea "very difficult", adding that it was up to Seoul to provide a response to the problems. South Korea's presidential Blue House has said a visit by Moon may be possible if he could meet Suga and if progress on some agreements could be expected.

Japan's Suga, S Korea's Moon to hold first summit meeting on Friday: Report

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year.

As per public broadcaster NHK, Suga's party managed to win only 33 seats in Tokyo's 123-member assembly. Suga's party is just ahead of Tokyo Citizens First, the party of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, with 31 seats. Even with 23 won by its ally Komeito, LDP fell short of an outright majority -- a target that had been considered within reach.

The disappointing result could put pressure on Suga, whose term as LDP president expires at the end of September. The head of the LDP is virtually assured of being prime minister, given the party's dominance in parliament.

"It appears our seats are likely to be a little bit lower than what we have initially anticipated," NHK had earlier quoted Taimei Yamaguchi, chair of the LDP's election strategy committee, as saying.

Tokyo's election came as the capital is preparing to host the Olympic Games whilst dealing with a resurgence of COVID-19.

With a general election due by October, Suga has staked his political career on successfully holding the Games, postponed from last year due to the virus, and boosting vaccine rollouts.

He has said he will bar spectators if necessary. But exit polls by broadcaster TBS showed 57% of respondents were still opposed to the Olympics going ahead on July 23 as planned.

Koike's Tokyo Citizens First party wants the Olympics held without spectators while the opposition Constitutional Democrats and Communists have called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed.

Voters on Sunday said COVID-19 remained their chief concern. A resurgence of the pandemic in Japan has seen new COVID-19 infections in Tokyo rise to a more than five-week high, with 716 reported on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year. As per public broadcaster NHK, Suga's party managed to win only 33 seats in Tokyo's 123-member assembly. Suga's party is just ahead of Tokyo Citizens First, the party of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, with 31 seats. Even with 23 won by its ally Komeito, LDP fell short of an outright majority -- a target that had been considered within reach. The disappointing result could put pressure on Suga, whose term as LDP president expires at the end of September. The head of the LDP is virtually assured of being prime minister, given the party's dominance in parliament. "It appears our seats are likely to be a little bit lower than what we have initially anticipated," NHK had earlier quoted Taimei Yamaguchi, chair of the LDP's election strategy committee, as saying. Tokyo's election came as the capital is preparing to host the Olympic Games whilst dealing with a resurgence of COVID-19. With a general election due by October, Suga has staked his political career on successfully holding the Games, postponed from last year due to the virus, and boosting vaccine rollouts. He has said he will bar spectators if necessary. But exit polls by broadcaster TBS showed 57% of respondents were still opposed to the Olympics going ahead on July 23 as planned. Koike's Tokyo Citizens First party wants the Olympics held without spectators while the opposition Constitutional Democrats and Communists have called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed. Voters on Sunday said COVID-19 remained their chief concern. A resurgence of the pandemic in Japan has seen new COVID-19 infections in Tokyo rise to a more than five-week high, with 716 reported on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM's party falls short in Tokyo election

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country. In his first one-on-one parliamentary debate with opposition leaders on Wednesday, Suga, naming Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, said, "Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights" to curb the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Japaese PM Suga calls Taiwan a country during Parliament debate

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. The talks come even as India battles the Covid crisis with over 3,00,000 cases being reported on a daily basis.&nbsp;

During the talks, Japan's Suga 'wished' for India’s early recovery from the "current spread of COVID-19 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders concurred that they would work in closer cooperation towards containing the pandemic", a read out from Japanese foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

The Indian Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic. Remember, Japan has provided 50-billion-yen Covid emergency assistance, 30-billion-yen social protection assistance and 1-billion-yen grant assistance to India to deal with the pandemic. With Japanese grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided, with the procurement process still underway.&nbsp;

China, as expected was the other key focus, with Beijing being aggressive with Japan over Senkaku Islands and with India at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. The Japanese read out said Prime Minister Suga expressed 'serious concerns' about China’s 'continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, including the Coast Guard Law." Chinese coast guard law passed in January of this year allows Chinese forces to use lethal force against Foreign Ships.&nbsp;

During the talks, both sides also reviewed progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail that will ply the 'Bullet train', and aimed to "create resilient, diversified and trustworthy supply chains", the Indian readout said. Remember Japanese PM Suga was expected to visit India later this month, but could not do so because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.

The ongoing Covid crisis and Chinese aggressiveness topped 25-minute-long discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga. The talks come even as India battles the Covid crisis with over 3,00,000 cases being reported on a daily basis. During the talks, Japan's Suga 'wished' for India’s early recovery from the "current spread of COVID-19 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, and the two leaders concurred that they would work in closer cooperation towards containing the pandemic", a read out from Japanese foreign ministry said. The Indian Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic. Remember, Japan has provided 50-billion-yen Covid emergency assistance, 30-billion-yen social protection assistance and 1-billion-yen grant assistance to India to deal with the pandemic. With Japanese grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided, with the procurement process still underway. China, as expected was the other key focus, with Beijing being aggressive with Japan over Senkaku Islands and with India at the line of actual control in eastern Ladakh. The Japanese read out said Prime Minister Suga expressed 'serious concerns' about China’s 'continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, including the Coast Guard Law." Chinese coast guard law passed in January of this year allows Chinese forces to use lethal force against Foreign Ships. During the talks, both sides also reviewed progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail that will ply the 'Bullet train', and aimed to "create resilient, diversified and trustworthy supply chains", the Indian readout said. Remember Japanese PM Suga was expected to visit India later this month, but could not do so because of the pandemic.

China, Covid crisis top Modi-Suga talks 

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours.&nbsp;

South Korea expressed 'deep disappointment' at Suga's offering to the shrine to mark a spring festival, while China also protested the move.&nbsp;

The Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century.&nbsp;

But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes, and has frequently been a source of sour relations with countries that suffered from Japan's military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea.&nbsp;

Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe, who stepped down last year for health reasons, visited the shrine in person on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The prime minister sent a sacred tree but was not expected to visit the shrine.&nbsp;

South Korea's foreign ministry expressed 'deep disappointment and regret' over Suga's tribute and urged Japan's leaders to 'face history squarely and humbly and truly reflect on the past'.&nbsp;

"Japan should keep in mind that is the basis of a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship."&nbsp;

Chinese foreign affairs ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also urged Japan to 'draw a clear line with militarism and take concrete measures to earn the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community'.&nbsp;

"We firmly oppose Japanese politicians' erroneous practices."&nbsp;

A 2013 visit to the shrine by then-prime minister Abe sparked outcry from Beijing and Seoul, as well as a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering on Wednesday to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead, including perpetrators of the country's World War II atrocities on its neighbours. South Korea expressed 'deep disappointment' at Suga's offering to the shrine to mark a spring festival, while China also protested the move. The Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century. But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes, and has frequently been a source of sour relations with countries that suffered from Japan's military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea. Suga's predecessor Shinzo Abe, who stepped down last year for health reasons, visited the shrine in person on Wednesday. The prime minister sent a sacred tree but was not expected to visit the shrine. South Korea's foreign ministry expressed 'deep disappointment and regret' over Suga's tribute and urged Japan's leaders to 'face history squarely and humbly and truly reflect on the past'. "Japan should keep in mind that is the basis of a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship." Chinese foreign affairs ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin also urged Japan to 'draw a clear line with militarism and take concrete measures to earn the trust of its Asian neighbours and the international community'. "We firmly oppose Japanese politicians' erroneous practices." A 2013 visit to the shrine by then-prime minister Abe sparked outcry from Beijing and Seoul, as well as a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.

Japan PM sends offering to controversial shrine honouring war dead 

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden.</a>

Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-summit-to-announce-vaccine-initiative-with-indias-manufacturing-at-the-centre-369900" hreflang="en">Quad to announce 'vaccine initiative' with India's manufacturing at the centre</a>

Biden and Suga will be meeting next month to discuss Indo-Pacific issues. This meeting will also help highlight the strong commitment towards a free and fair Indo-Pacific region.

The Japan Prime Minister will be making this trip only after he and his whole accompanying team get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus, which has hit the US the hardest.

In addition to the Indo-Pacific region, the two leaders will also be discussing pandemic measures and the issue of climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-meeting-2021-focus-on-vaccines-securing-indo-pacific-on-agenda-369938">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-meeting-2021-focus-on-vaccines-securing-indo-pacific-on-agenda-369938/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During this face-to-face summit, the two countries will also point out their concerns about North Korea and China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has equally concerned the US and Japan.

"We hope to further strengthen our bilateral relations including the Japan-US alliance and to confirm our close cooperation toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kato said. "It would be a good opportunity for us to show the rest of the world the close unity of the Japan-US alliance and the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region."

The two leaders have earlier held virtual talks to discuss matters, and are set to meet again on Friday in the virtual summit of the Quad — which includes Australia, India, Japan and the US.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President Joe Biden. Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President Joe Biden. Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters. Also read | Quad to announce 'vaccine initiative' with India's manufacturing at the centre Biden and Suga will be meeting next month to discuss Indo-Pacific issues. This meeting will also help highlight the strong commitment towards a free and fair Indo-Pacific region. The Japan Prime Minister will be making this trip only after he and his whole accompanying team get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus, which has hit the US the hardest. In addition to the Indo-Pacific region, the two leaders will also be discussing pandemic measures and the issue of climate change. WATCH | During this face-to-face summit, the two countries will also point out their concerns about North Korea and China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has equally concerned the US and Japan. "We hope to further strengthen our bilateral relations including the Japan-US alliance and to confirm our close cooperation toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kato said. "It would be a good opportunity for us to show the rest of the world the close unity of the Japan-US alliance and the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region." The two leaders have earlier held virtual talks to discuss matters, and are set to meet again on Friday in the virtual summit of the Quad — which includes Australia, India, Japan and the US.

Japan's Suga to become first foreign leader to visit Biden

On Monday, the Recording Academy announced the list of performers at the Grammys 2021 ceremony. The show, which is scheduled to take place on March 14, will mark K-pop band BTS' first solo performance after the band took part in the star-studded Old Town Road package last year.&nbsp; 
 
Needless to say, the fans of BTS, popularly known as ARMY, are extremely excited about the upcoming performance.&nbsp; 
 
Many on Twitter recalled the times that one of the members - Suga- had admitted that performing at the Grammys was one of his dreams. Many chanted "What Yoongi Wants Yoongi Gets," as they expressed excitement on the news.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
WE 👏 ARE 👏 COUNTING 👏 THE 👏 DAYS! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GRAMMYs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GRAMMYs</a> <a href="https://t.co/tSKi9LpO9L">https://t.co/tSKi9LpO9L</a>
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) <a href="https://twitter.com/RecordingAcad/status/1368659012175028225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Last year they went to the Grammys to sing people's songs ... and this year they're going to sing the song themselves 😭🥺 
 
WHAT YOONGI WANTS YOONGI GETS.. and now i believe that all yoongi's words come true one by one<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GrammyPerformerBTS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GrammyPerformerBTS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BTS_twt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BTS_twt</a> 
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK <a href="https://t.co/1IrMOSI5ke">pic.twitter.com/1IrMOSI5ke</a>
— didinayu (@didinayu7) <a href="https://twitter.com/didinayu7/status/1368747825719177219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOONGI! Can't wait to see you guys perform at the grammy. Well, what yoongi wants, yoongi gets. 😼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTSGrammyPerformers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTSGrammyPerformers</a> <a href="https://t.co/DdEkTBJgcA">pic.twitter.com/DdEkTBJgcA</a>
— ASTRIDD (@a_strid1) <a href="https://twitter.com/a_strid1/status/1368728707725074436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
BTS ARE NOW CONFIRMED TO PERFORM ON GRAMMYS FINALLY THEIR WISH COMES TRUE WHAT YOONGI WANTS YOONGI GETS "TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK" LETS ALL HAVE A GROUP HUG BTS ARMYs😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTSGrammyPerformers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTSGrammyPerformers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dynamite</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTSPavedTheWay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTSPavedTheWay</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTSHistoryMakers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTSHistoryMakers</a> <a href="https://t.co/b4It4XDwb0">pic.twitter.com/b4It4XDwb0</a>
— kathhh💜 (@kath_39) <a href="https://twitter.com/kath_39/status/1368727688014299136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Last year they went to the Grammys to sing people's songs ... and this year they're going to sing the song themselves 😭🥺 
 
WHAT YOONGI WANTS YOONGI GETS.. and now i believe that all yoongi's words come true one by one<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GrammyPerformerBTS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GrammyPerformerBTS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BTS_twt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BTS_twt</a> 
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK <a href="https://t.co/1IrMOSI5ke">pic.twitter.com/1IrMOSI5ke</a>
— didinayu (@didinayu7) <a href="https://twitter.com/didinayu7/status/1368747825719177219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
IM CRYING RN THEYRE GETTING A SOLO PERFORMER THEY DID IT 😭😭😭 IM SO HAPPY 💜💜💜 
 
BTS WORLD DOMINATION 
BTS PAVED THE WAY 
BTS SOUTH KOREA'S PRIDE 
BTS IS THE STANDAR 
BTS SOUTH KOREA'S PRIDE 
 
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK 
WHAT YOONGI WANTS YOONGI GETS<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTSGrammyPerformers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTSGrammyPerformers</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q7Ego4Ja5M">pic.twitter.com/Q7Ego4Ja5M</a>
— ᴮᴱ𝓗𝓸𝓫𝓲𝓬𝓸𝓻𝓮 ⁷ ⟭⟬ (@sisyouthot) <a href="https://twitter.com/sisyouthot/status/1368724991580143620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 2021 Grammys is special for BTS in more ways than one. The band of seven has bagged its first-ever nomination in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for their hit song 'Dynamite'.&nbsp; 
 
The song is nominated alongside Justin Bieber and Quavo’s 'Intentions', Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande's 'Rain on Me', Taylor Swift and Bon Iver's 'Exile', and J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny and Tainy’s 'Un Día' (One Day). 
 
Other artists who are set to perform at the 2021 Grammys include Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Cardi B, Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa, Brandi Carlile, Black Pumas, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, Mickey Guyton, Haim, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Lil Baby, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Maren Morris, Post Malone, and Roddy Ricch.

On Monday, the Recording Academy announced the list of performers at the Grammys 2021 ceremony. The show, which is scheduled to take place on March 14, will mark K-pop band BTS' first solo performance after the band took part in the star-studded Old Town Road package last year.

On Monday, the Recording Academy announced the list of performers at the Grammys 2021 ceremony. The show, which is scheduled to take place on March 14, will mark K-pop band BTS' first solo performance after the band took part in the star-studded Old Town Road package last year. Needless to say, the fans of BTS, popularly known as ARMY, are extremely excited about the upcoming performance. Many on Twitter recalled the times that one of the members - Suga- had admitted that performing at the Grammys was one of his dreams. Many chanted "What Yoongi Wants Yoongi Gets," as they expressed excitement on the news. WE 👏 ARE 👏 COUNTING 👏 THE 👏 DAYS! #GRAMMYs https://t.co/tSKi9LpO9L — Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) March 7, 2021 × Last year they went to the Grammys to sing people's songs ... and this year they're going to sing the song themselves 😭🥺 WHAT YOONGI WANTS YOONGI GETS.. and now i believe that all yoongi's words come true one by one#GrammyPerformerBTS @BTS_twt TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK pic.twitter.com/1IrMOSI5ke — didinayu (@didinayu7) March 8, 2021 × HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOONGI! Can't wait to see you guys perform at the grammy. Well, what yoongi wants, yoongi gets. 😼#BTSGrammyPerformers pic.twitter.com/DdEkTBJgcA — ASTRIDD (@a_strid1) March 8, 2021 × BTS ARE NOW CONFIRMED TO PERFORM ON GRAMMYS FINALLY THEIR WISH COMES TRUE WHAT YOONGI WANTS YOONGI GETS "TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK" LETS ALL HAVE A GROUP HUG BTS ARMYs😭#BTSGrammyPerformers #Dynamite #BTSPavedTheWay#BTSHistoryMakers pic.twitter.com/b4It4XDwb0 — kathhh💜 (@kath_39) March 8, 2021 × Last year they went to the Grammys to sing people's songs ... and this year they're going to sing the song themselves 😭🥺 WHAT YOONGI WANTS YOONGI GETS.. and now i believe that all yoongi's words come true one by one#GrammyPerformerBTS @BTS_twt TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK pic.twitter.com/1IrMOSI5ke — didinayu (@didinayu7) March 8, 2021 × IM CRYING RN THEYRE GETTING A SOLO PERFORMER THEY DID IT 😭😭😭 IM SO HAPPY 💜💜💜 BTS WORLD DOMINATION BTS PAVED THE WAY BTS SOUTH KOREA'S PRIDE BTS IS THE STANDAR BTS SOUTH KOREA'S PRIDE TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK WHAT YOONGI WANTS YOONGI GETS#BTSGrammyPerformers pic.twitter.com/Q7Ego4Ja5M — ᴮᴱ𝓗𝓸𝓫𝓲𝓬𝓸𝓻𝓮 ⁷ ⟭⟬ (@sisyouthot) March 8, 2021 × The 2021 Grammys is special for BTS in more ways than one. The band of seven has bagged its first-ever nomination in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for their hit song 'Dynamite'. The song is nominated alongside Justin Bieber and Quavo’s 'Intentions', Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande's 'Rain on Me', Taylor Swift and Bon Iver's 'Exile', and J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny and Tainy’s 'Un Día' (One Day). Other artists who are set to perform at the 2021 Grammys include Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Cardi B, Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa, Brandi Carlile, Black Pumas, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, Mickey Guyton, Haim, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Lil Baby, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Maren Morris, Post Malone, and Roddy Ricch.

'What Yoongi Wants Yoongi Gets' chants ARMY as BTS gears up to perform at 2021 Grammys 

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-plan-b-japans-sponsors-shelve-ads-as-mood-sours-over-olympics-360044" hreflang="en">'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics</a>

"Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide.

"I'm determined to realise the Games that will bring hope and courage to the world, as proof of mankind's victory over the virus and as a symbol of global unity."

The Prime Minister's came after the organisers and International Olympic Committee confirmed that the Games will go ahead as planned despite surge in coronavirus.&nbsp;

Large parts in Japan, including Tokyo, are still under the state of emergency due to COVID-19 raising doubts over the Games being held.&nbsp;

In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely even without a vaccine.

On Wednesday, IOC chief said that the committee is is "concentrated and committed" in holding the Tokyo Olympics as per the schedule.&nbsp;

Bach went on to talk about complexities of holding the Games, especially during the times of a pandemic, he said: "Organisation of Olympic and Paralympic Games extremely complex challenge. Complexity multiplied when it comes to the organisation of postponed Olympic Games under the conditions of a pandemic. We are learning every day."

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate. ALSO READ: 'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics "Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate. ALSO READ: 'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics "Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide. "I'm determined to realise the Games that will bring hope and courage to the world, as proof of mankind's victory over the virus and as a symbol of global unity." The Prime Minister's came after the organisers and International Olympic Committee confirmed that the Games will go ahead as planned despite surge in coronavirus. Large parts in Japan, including Tokyo, are still under the state of emergency due to COVID-19 raising doubts over the Games being held. In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely even without a vaccine. On Wednesday, IOC chief said that the committee is is "concentrated and committed" in holding the Tokyo Olympics as per the schedule. Bach went on to talk about complexities of holding the Games, especially during the times of a pandemic, he said: "Organisation of Olympic and Paralympic Games extremely complex challenge. Complexity multiplied when it comes to the organisation of postponed Olympic Games under the conditions of a pandemic. We are learning every day."

'Tokyo Games will bring hope and courage to world': Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga

For fans of BTS there’s good news as Korean pop band member Suga has finally joined his team after recovering from a shoulder surgery that took place in November 2020.

Suga joined BTS as they took the stage for the 35th Golden Disc Awards.&nbsp;

Korean pop singer Min Yoongi Suga who is popularly known as Suga is part of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bts">BTS</a> since the inception of the boy band that is overtly famous. The singer had undergone a shoulder surgery on November 3, 2020.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-dynamite-beats-psys-gangnam-style-for-this-billboard-record-354869" hreflang="en">BTS' Dynamite beats PSY's Gangnam Style for this Billboard record</a>

In a statement, Suga of BTS&nbsp;reportedly said, “Everyone I am Suga. I have returned. After not showing my face for about two months because of my surgery, I felt like I was slowly being forgotten. That’s why I tried my best to return as soon as I could. I am Suga, someone that works hard in order to not be forgotten”.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-bts-suga-on-his-surgery-and-long-recovery-ahead-i-could-see-the-emptiness-355334" hreflang="en">BTS' Suga on his surgery and long recovery ahead, 'I could see the emptiness'</a>

BTS took home the Bonsang Award for the Digital Song Division at the 35th Golden Disc Awards.&nbsp;

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/when-k-pop-band-bts-threw-a-surprise-to-fans-on-the-friends-set-355113" hreflang="en">When K pop band BTS threw a surprise to fans on the 'Friends' set</a></h2>

For fans of BTS there’s good news as Korean pop band member Suga has finally joined his team after recovering from a shoulder surgery that took place in November 2020.

For fans of BTS there’s good news as Korean pop band member Suga has finally joined his team after recovering from a shoulder surgery that took place in November 2020. Suga joined BTS as they took the stage for the 35th Golden Disc Awards. Korean pop singer Min Yoongi Suga who is popularly known as Suga is part of BTS since the inception of the boy band that is overtly famous. The singer had undergone a shoulder surgery on November 3, 2020. BTS' Dynamite beats PSY's Gangnam Style for this Billboard record In a statement, Suga of BTS reportedly said, “Everyone I am Suga. I have returned. After not showing my face for about two months because of my surgery, I felt like I was slowly being forgotten. That’s why I tried my best to return as soon as I could. I am Suga, someone that works hard in order to not be forgotten”. BTS' Suga on his surgery and long recovery ahead, 'I could see the emptiness' BTS took home the Bonsang Award for the Digital Song Division at the 35th Golden Disc Awards. When K pop band BTS threw a surprise to fans on the 'Friends' set

K pop singer Suga of BTS joins band members on stage for the first time since shoulder surgery

As the cases surge, Japan's Prime Minister&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga is mulling declaring a state of emergency in the greater Tokyo area amid rising concerns of a "very severe" third wave of the novel coronavirus infections.

"The national government will consider issuing a state of emergency," Suga said in a daily press conference. He also added that the vaccination drives will begin in the country in late February and also reported that he will be among the first ones to receive the vaccine to assure citizens there is nothing to worry about.

"Initially, we wish to start vaccination of medical workers, the elderly and those who work at elderly care facilities," he said. "I will also take the lead in getting vaccinated."

While he has shown confidence in the developing and developed vaccines, he has urged locals to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping out. he has also requested people to not to step out for non-essential work.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-says-government-will-consider-state-of-emergency-354296">WATCH|</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-says-government-will-consider-state-of-emergency-354296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Japanese government is also aiming to introduce legislation to penalise businesses that will be found guilty of not adhering to coronavirus guidelines such as the shortened working hours of businesses and capped entry of people in shops and restaurants.

While the country awaits a final decision on a national lockdown, Suga has assured people that "limited and focused measures" will be effective, but has denied giving any further clarifications.

Suga's statement has come a few days after the Tokyo governor&nbsp;Yuriko Koike and leaders of three other neighbouring regions called on the central government urging them to impose a state of emergency in the respective areas.

However, the central government has been hesitant about imposing a state of emergency fearing another downward spiral in the national economy that Suga has struggled with since he joined the office in September. Suga, although, now feels "a stronger message was necessary".

The biggest concern for Suga's government right now is the upcoming Tokyo Olympics which are scheduled in less than six months. The Olympics were scheduled to be held in 2020 but were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to huge losses for the country. This year, however, Suga has announced that his government does not plan to push the much-awaited event any further and believes the Games will be "proof that mankind overcame the virus".

As the cases surge, Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is mulling declaring a state of emergency in the greater Tokyo area amid rising concerns of a "very severe" third wave of the novel coronavirus infections.

As the cases surge, Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is mulling declaring a state of emergency in the greater Tokyo area amid rising concerns of a "very severe" third wave of the novel coronavirus infections. "The national government will consider issuing a state of emergency," Suga said in a daily press conference. He also added that the vaccination drives will begin in the country in late February and also reported that he will be among the first ones to receive the vaccine to assure citizens there is nothing to worry about. "Initially, we wish to start vaccination of medical workers, the elderly and those who work at elderly care facilities," he said. "I will also take the lead in getting vaccinated." While he has shown confidence in the developing and developed vaccines, he has urged locals to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping out. he has also requested people to not to step out for non-essential work. WATCH| × The Japanese government is also aiming to introduce legislation to penalise businesses that will be found guilty of not adhering to coronavirus guidelines such as the shortened working hours of businesses and capped entry of people in shops and restaurants. While the country awaits a final decision on a national lockdown, Suga has assured people that "limited and focused measures" will be effective, but has denied giving any further clarifications. Suga's statement has come a few days after the Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike and leaders of three other neighbouring regions called on the central government urging them to impose a state of emergency in the respective areas. However, the central government has been hesitant about imposing a state of emergency fearing another downward spiral in the national economy that Suga has struggled with since he joined the office in September. Suga, although, now feels "a stronger message was necessary". The biggest concern for Suga's government right now is the upcoming Tokyo Olympics which are scheduled in less than six months. The Olympics were scheduled to be held in 2020 but were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to huge losses for the country. This year, however, Suga has announced that his government does not plan to push the much-awaited event any further and believes the Games will be "proof that mankind overcame the virus".

Japan's PM mulls over state of emergency amid rising coronavirus cases

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering Saturday to the controversial Yasukuni war shrine, which is seen by neighbouring countries as a symbol of the nation's past militarism, especially during World War II.

Yasukuni honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century.

But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes by an international tribunal after WWII.

The prime minister sent a sacred "masakaki" tree in the name of the prime minister at the start of an annual autumn festival, a shrine spokeswoman said.

Suga, who took office last month, followed a rite conducted by his nationalist predecessor Shinzo Abe, who also sent ritual offerings to the shrine in recent years.

But Suga is not expected to make a pilgrimage during the two-day biannual event, local media reported, as he will start a four-day trip to Vietnam and Indonesia on Sunday, his first overseas visit as premier.

Abe visited the shrine in 2013, sparking fury from wartime foes China and South Korea, and earning a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States.

Since then, Abe refrained from paying tributes at the shrine in person but other conservative politicians continued, in particular on August 15 to mark Japan's WWII surrender.

Abe visited Yasukuni days after he resigned in September.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering Saturday to the controversial Yasukuni war shrine, which is seen by neighbouring countries as a symbol of the nation's past militarism, especially during World War II.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sent a ritual offering Saturday to the controversial Yasukuni war shrine, which is seen by neighbouring countries as a symbol of the nation's past militarism, especially during World War II. Yasukuni honours some 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century. But it also honours senior military and political figures convicted of war crimes by an international tribunal after WWII. The prime minister sent a sacred "masakaki" tree in the name of the prime minister at the start of an annual autumn festival, a shrine spokeswoman said. Suga, who took office last month, followed a rite conducted by his nationalist predecessor Shinzo Abe, who also sent ritual offerings to the shrine in recent years. But Suga is not expected to make a pilgrimage during the two-day biannual event, local media reported, as he will start a four-day trip to Vietnam and Indonesia on Sunday, his first overseas visit as premier. Abe visited the shrine in 2013, sparking fury from wartime foes China and South Korea, and earning a rare diplomatic rebuke from close ally the United States. Since then, Abe refrained from paying tributes at the shrine in person but other conservative politicians continued, in particular on August 15 to mark Japan's WWII surrender. Abe visited Yasukuni days after he resigned in September.

Japan PM Suga sends offering to controversial war shrine

The newly appointed prime minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, batted for Quad grouping in his first conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Quad grouping consists of Japan, India, Australia and the United States.

The Japan government readout about the conversation said that it lasted for 25 minutes.&nbsp;

"Prime Minster Suga stated that he would like to promote cooperation in such multilateral mechanism as Japan-Australia-India-US meetings and the United Nations," it said.

The comments come as Tokyo is all set to host a meeting of Quad foreign ministers in October. This will be the second such meeting. The first happened last year on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Both leaders spoke at length on Indo-Pacific. The Indian readout of the meet said both leaders "emphasised that the economic architecture of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" must be premised on "resilient supply chains, and in this context, welcomed cooperation between India, Japan and other like-minded countries."

During the conversation, the bullet train which Japan is helping to build was also discussed. Ties between the two countries have seen significant development in the last few years, especially under the leadership for former Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo. He had developed a personal connection with Modi.

PM Modi is the sixth head of India the new Japan prime minister has spoken to. Since taking charge on September 16, 2020, Yoshihide Suga has spoken to US President Donald Trump, Australian PM Scott Morrison, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the European Council Charles Michel and British PM Boris Johnson.

The newly appointed prime minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, batted for Quad grouping in his first conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Quad grouping consists of Japan, India, Australia and the United States.

The newly appointed prime minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, batted for Quad grouping in his first conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Quad grouping consists of Japan, India, Australia and the United States. The Japan government readout about the conversation said that it lasted for 25 minutes. "Prime Minster Suga stated that he would like to promote cooperation in such multilateral mechanism as Japan-Australia-India-US meetings and the United Nations," it said. The comments come as Tokyo is all set to host a meeting of Quad foreign ministers in October. This will be the second such meeting. The first happened last year on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Both leaders spoke at length on Indo-Pacific. The Indian readout of the meet said both leaders "emphasised that the economic architecture of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region" must be premised on "resilient supply chains, and in this context, welcomed cooperation between India, Japan and other like-minded countries." During the conversation, the bullet train which Japan is helping to build was also discussed. Ties between the two countries have seen significant development in the last few years, especially under the leadership for former Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo. He had developed a personal connection with Modi. PM Modi is the sixth head of India the new Japan prime minister has spoken to. Since taking charge on September 16, 2020, Yoshihide Suga has spoken to US President Donald Trump, Australian PM Scott Morrison, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, President of the European Council Charles Michel and British PM Boris Johnson.

New Japan PM bats for quad in first conversation with Indian counterpart

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said the next Prime Minister will have the right to dissolve the parliament, hinting towards a possibility of snap election.

"There’s no change to my stance as chief cabinet minister that what the public wants from the government most is to focus on measures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic,” Suga was quoted saying by local media.

”But the prime minister has the right to dissolve parliament (and call a snap election). If the next premier decides to call one, that should be the case. If not, it won’t happen,” he continued.

He also said he is hopeul about Tokyo Olympic Games, despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a decline in japan's economy. Suga believes the Tokyo Olympics will bring various benefits for Japan in these difficult times.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japans-economy-sinks-deeper-businesses-delay-fresh-investments-325896/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.”

Suga is contesting for upcoming elections to replace the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who resigned due to his ill-health. There have been speculations of Suga pushing for a snap elections to tighten his grip on the post,&nbsp;especially since the&nbsp;opinion polls showed a jump in voter approval of Suga.

The elections for the post of&nbsp;Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against&nbsp;former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win.

&nbsp;

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said the next Prime Minister will have the right to dissolve the parliament, hinting towards a possibility of snap election.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said the next Prime Minister will have the right to dissolve the parliament, hinting towards a possibility of snap election. "There’s no change to my stance as chief cabinet minister that what the public wants from the government most is to focus on measures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic,” Suga was quoted saying by local media. ”But the prime minister has the right to dissolve parliament (and call a snap election). If the next premier decides to call one, that should be the case. If not, it won’t happen,” he continued. He also said he is hopeul about Tokyo Olympic Games, despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a decline in japan's economy. Suga believes the Tokyo Olympics will bring various benefits for Japan in these difficult times. × ”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.” Suga is contesting for upcoming elections to replace the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who resigned due to his ill-health. There have been speculations of Suga pushing for a snap elections to tighten his grip on the post, especially since the opinion polls showed a jump in voter approval of Suga. The elections for the post of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win.

Japan's Suga hopeful about Tokyo Olympic Games amid falling economy

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe.

A day after former Foreign Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida announced his plans to run for elections, Japanese&nbsp;Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, too, has formally announced his participation in the upcoming elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fumio-kishida-announces-candidacy-to-replace-japans-shinzo-abe-324437">Also read|&nbsp;Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe</a>

Suga had earlier declined rumours about running for elections. Abe's loyalist&nbsp;had last week emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and instead said he would like to focus on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga had earlier said.

However, on Wednesday he announced that&nbsp;he has decided to stand for party leader to avoid a political vacuum during the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-will-replace-abe-and-when-japan-pms-resignation-sparks-leadership-race-323707">Also read|&nbsp;Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race</a>

"In this time of national crisis, we cannot permit a political vacuum," Suga told a briefing. "I decided to run after giving very deep thought to what I can do, as a politician and as a member of Abe`s administration, to bring back as soon as possible the day when people can live without fear."

Abe's longtime aid has made it clear that, if elected, he would continue Abe's aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus policies and singled out hard-hit rural areas.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its President on September 14. The candidates are required to register their names on September 08,&nbsp;and can start campaigning immediately after.&nbsp;The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16.

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe.

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe. A day after former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida announced his plans to run for elections, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, too, has formally announced his participation in the upcoming elections. Also read| Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe Suga had earlier declined rumours about running for elections. Abe's loyalist had last week emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and instead said he would like to focus on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga had earlier said. However, on Wednesday he announced that he has decided to stand for party leader to avoid a political vacuum during the coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race "In this time of national crisis, we cannot permit a political vacuum," Suga told a briefing. "I decided to run after giving very deep thought to what I can do, as a politician and as a member of Abe`s administration, to bring back as soon as possible the day when people can live without fear." Abe's longtime aid has made it clear that, if elected, he would continue Abe's aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus policies and singled out hard-hit rural areas. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its President on September 14. The candidates are required to register their names on September 08, and can start campaigning immediately after. The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16.

Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race

This can be termed as one of the biggest collaborations in K-pop. As promised, singers IU and Suga released their new song 'Eight' on Wednesday. 
 
The pop single is picturised on IU and talks about life as a 28-year-old. Interestingly, IU and Suga are both 28-years-old. 
The video is a visual delight with soothing music, much to the delight of the fans. &nbsp; 
 
The video also has a portion in animation with Suga's rap playing the background. The video was shared by IU on her Twitter page.

Watch the video here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TgOu00Mf3kI" width="560"></iframe> 
 
Soon after the video was shared online, fans started the trend 'IUxSUGA' and one of the Twitter users wrote, "Joon was right when he said eight is a driving song, imagine listening to it driving down a quiet road on a sunny afternoon with the windows down or it playing softly on a late-night drive #EIGHTIsComing #IUxSUGA". Another fan wrote, "that Suga was what I was yearning to hear. the song is beautiful, IU's voice is so pretty and Yooni’s rap is the best!! #SUGA #IUxSUGA #EIGHTOUTNOW @BTS_twt".

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This can be termed as one of the biggest collaborations in K-pop. As promised, singers IU and Suga released their new song 'Eight' on Wednesday. The pop single is picturised on IU and talks about life as a 28-year-old.

This can be termed as one of the biggest collaborations in K-pop. As promised, singers IU and Suga released their new song 'Eight' on Wednesday. The pop single is picturised on IU and talks about life as a 28-year-old. Interestingly, IU and Suga are both 28-years-old. The video is a visual delight with soothing music, much to the delight of the fans. The video also has a portion in animation with Suga's rap playing the background. The video was shared by IU on her Twitter page. Watch the video here: Soon after the video was shared online, fans started the trend 'IUxSUGA' and one of the Twitter users wrote, "Joon was right when he said eight is a driving song, imagine listening to it driving down a quiet road on a sunny afternoon with the windows down or it playing softly on a late-night drive #EIGHTIsComing #IUxSUGA". Another fan wrote, "that Suga was what I was yearning to hear. the song is beautiful, IU's voice is so pretty and Yooni’s rap is the best!! #SUGA #IUxSUGA #EIGHTOUTNOW @BTS_twt".

IU and BTS' Suga's much-awaited collaboration 'Eight' is finally here!

This is going to be a huge collaboration in the K-pop world. South Korean rapper Min Yoon-gi aka Suga who also part of BTS is reportedly all set to collaborate with&nbsp; South Korean singer-songwriter Lee Ji-eun aka IU. 
 
According to top reports, IU's agency has stated she will be "releasing a digital single on May 6, and she will also be releasing a music video along with her music." 
 
The single will be released on May 6, 2020. Needless to say, the news had fans of IU and BTS extremely excited. 
 
Suga, in fact, had a live interaction with fans recently where he revealed that BTS, too, is coming up with something new for the ARMY. The band has been working hard amid the ongoing pandemic to work on something that can follow up to their latest album 'Map Of The Soul:7' which released in February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/k-pop-band-bts-hints-at-a-special-event-in-june-for-the-army-293619">K-Pop band BTS hints at a special event in June for the ARMY</a> 
 
"We're already working on a new album again. Before we started, we decided who was in charge of what. Who would oversee everything, who would oversee the visuals, who would oversee the music—we split that up. We discussed it amongst ourselves and made the decision. ‘A video about that will be released soon, so please watch it," Suga said the live chat.

This is going to be a huge collaboration in the K-pop world. South Korean rapper Min Yoon-gi aka Suga who also part of BTS is reportedly all set to collaborate with South Korean singer-songwriter Lee Ji-eun aka IU.

This is going to be a huge collaboration in the K-pop world. South Korean rapper Min Yoon-gi aka Suga who also part of BTS is reportedly all set to collaborate with South Korean singer-songwriter Lee Ji-eun aka IU. According to top reports, IU's agency has stated she will be "releasing a digital single on May 6, and she will also be releasing a music video along with her music." The single will be released on May 6, 2020. Needless to say, the news had fans of IU and BTS extremely excited. Suga, in fact, had a live interaction with fans recently where he revealed that BTS, too, is coming up with something new for the ARMY. The band has been working hard amid the ongoing pandemic to work on something that can follow up to their latest album 'Map Of The Soul:7' which released in February. K-Pop band BTS hints at a special event in June for the ARMY "We're already working on a new album again. Before we started, we decided who was in charge of what. Who would oversee everything, who would oversee the visuals, who would oversee the music—we split that up. We discussed it amongst ourselves and made the decision. ‘A video about that will be released soon, so please watch it," Suga said the live chat.

Suga of BTS is all set to collaborate with K-pop star IU

suga

Suga, News on Suga, stories on Suga, articles on Suga, Suga stories at Wion, Suga news, Suga latest news