The public relations chief for Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has resigned. Makiko Yamada has acknowledged that she had a $700 dinner paid for by a broadcaster in 2019.

Japan PM’s spokesperson resigns over $700 dinner scandal

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

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga during which they underscored that their bilateral relationship is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo Pacific region.

During a telephonic conversation, Biden and Suga discussed policy issues and global challenges that Japan and the US will face together, the White House said.

"They discussed the US-Japan alliance and affirmed its importance as the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific," it said in a readout of the call. 
It was the first interaction between the two leaders.

Biden and Suga also discussed the US' unwavering commitment to the defence of Japan under the security treaty, which includes the Senkaku Islands, the White House said.

President Biden reaffirmed to Prime Minister Suga his commitment to provide extended deterrence to Japan, it said.

Biden and Suga discussed regional security issues, including China and North Korea, the White House said, adding that the leaders affirmed the necessity of complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, and the early resolution of the abductions issue.

"They committed to working together on our response to curb the global COVID-19 pandemic, address climate change, and advance our shared values, global security and prosperity," it said.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga during which they underscored that their bilateral relationship is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo Pacific region.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga during which they underscored that their bilateral relationship is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo Pacific region. During a telephonic conversation, Biden and Suga discussed policy issues and global challenges that Japan and the US will face together, the White House said. "They discussed the US-Japan alliance and affirmed its importance as the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific," it said in a readout of the call. It was the first interaction between the two leaders. Biden and Suga also discussed the US' unwavering commitment to the defence of Japan under the security treaty, which includes the Senkaku Islands, the White House said. President Biden reaffirmed to Prime Minister Suga his commitment to provide extended deterrence to Japan, it said. Biden and Suga discussed regional security issues, including China and North Korea, the White House said, adding that the leaders affirmed the necessity of complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, and the early resolution of the abductions issue. "They committed to working together on our response to curb the global COVID-19 pandemic, address climate change, and advance our shared values, global security and prosperity," it said.

Biden and Suga vow to strengthen US-Japan alliance

India and Japan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) that will allow 14 categories of Indian "skilled workers" to work in Japan. SSW is a new status of residence created by Japan in 2019 under which skilled foreign nationals can obtain jobs and stay in the country.

The MOC was signed between India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Japan's envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. With the signing of the pact, the Japanese and Indian governments agreed to create a mechanism through which Indian nationals can be smoothly dispatched to Japan under the SSW framework.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Japan's envoy said, "With the MOC we are going to sign, new opportunities will be open for Indian nationals to get employment in Japan.”

The Memorandum sets a framework between the Japanese and Indian Governments allowing information sharing in order to protect Indian nationals coming to Japan as SSW and facilitate a smooth implementation of the SSW system.

The Indian foreign secretary said, "With an early operationalization of this MoC, both our countries can synergise our strengths and have mutually beneficial outcomes. In the implementation of the SSW, the Indian side looks forward to working closely with the Japanese side to ensure that we can meet our objectives smoothly and quickly.".

Under the system, a person must be proficient in the Japanese language in daily life and his maximum period of stay can be five&nbsp;years in total. The 14 specified industry fields include caregiving, building cleaning, material processing, industrial machinery manufacturing, electric and electronic information, construction, shipbuilding and ship-related industry, automobile maintenance, aviation, lodging, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverages manufacturing, and food services industry.

The development comes even as Japan faces a declining population and an ageing society. India has one of the youngest populations in the world, which is can help to increase the economic productivity of any society. Indian PM Modi had placed a high priority on quickly operationalizing this MoC and the current PM of Japan Yoshihide Suga when he was the chief cabinet secretary was one of the prime movers of the program to address his country's need for a skilled labour market.

This is not the first such India Japan skilled related programme. In 2016 both sides agreed on "Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme” for training 30,000 persons over 10 years with Japanese style manufacturing skills and practices.

In 2017, both sides signed, "Technical Intern Training Programme” agreement that enables Indians to access internships in Japan. So far, 200 interns have been placed in Japan under the intern training programme.&nbsp;

India and Japan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) that will allow 14 categories of Indian "skilled workers" to work in Japan.

India and Japan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) that will allow 14 categories of Indian "skilled workers" to work in Japan. SSW is a new status of residence created by Japan in 2019 under which skilled foreign nationals can obtain jobs and stay in the country. The MOC was signed between India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Japan's envoy to India Suzuki Satoshi. With the signing of the pact, the Japanese and Indian governments agreed to create a mechanism through which Indian nationals can be smoothly dispatched to Japan under the SSW framework. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Japan's envoy said, "With the MOC we are going to sign, new opportunities will be open for Indian nationals to get employment in Japan.” The Memorandum sets a framework between the Japanese and Indian Governments allowing information sharing in order to protect Indian nationals coming to Japan as SSW and facilitate a smooth implementation of the SSW system. The Indian foreign secretary said, "With an early operationalization of this MoC, both our countries can synergise our strengths and have mutually beneficial outcomes. In the implementation of the SSW, the Indian side looks forward to working closely with the Japanese side to ensure that we can meet our objectives smoothly and quickly.". Under the system, a person must be proficient in the Japanese language in daily life and his maximum period of stay can be five years in total. The 14 specified industry fields include caregiving, building cleaning, material processing, industrial machinery manufacturing, electric and electronic information, construction, shipbuilding and ship-related industry, automobile maintenance, aviation, lodging, agriculture, fisheries, food and beverages manufacturing, and food services industry. The development comes even as Japan faces a declining population and an ageing society. India has one of the youngest populations in the world, which is can help to increase the economic productivity of any society. Indian PM Modi had placed a high priority on quickly operationalizing this MoC and the current PM of Japan Yoshihide Suga when he was the chief cabinet secretary was one of the prime movers of the program to address his country's need for a skilled labour market. This is not the first such India Japan skilled related programme. In 2016 both sides agreed on "Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme” for training 30,000 persons over 10 years with Japanese style manufacturing skills and practices. In 2017, both sides signed, "Technical Intern Training Programme” agreement that enables Indians to access internships in Japan. So far, 200 interns have been placed in Japan under the intern training programme.

Japan looks at India for skilled workers as New Delhi-Tokyo sign pact

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus.

The rules were proposed by the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday, which will be added in amendments in the soon-to-be-introduced infectious disease law.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-find-patient-zero-who-urges-countries-to-cooperate-357112" hreflang="en">'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate</a>

As per these rules, the patients who test positive for coronavirus and refuse to get hospitalised, on the recommendation of the health experts, will face a fine of 1 million yen (over $9,600) or a jail sentence of up to one year.

In addition to this, people who refuse to cooperate for contact-tracing after testing positive will be fined 500,000 yen ($4,800) or face a prison sentence of six months.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-expands-coronavirus-emergency-to-seven-more-prefectures-356633">&nbsp;Japan expands coronavirus emergency to seven more prefectures</a>

While some have applauded the move by the government, some locals have addressed concern warning this would prove out to be more tedious for the healthcare workers who have the pressure of taking care of more paperwork now.

This has come as Japan crossed the mark of 300,000 coronavirus cases and 4,000 deaths with a recent surge, especially after the new mutations found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-suga-highest-ever-infection-in-respective-regions-355329">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-pm-suga-highest-ever-infection-in-respective-regions-355329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is also being understood as a way to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus in the country before the planned Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

The news came at the same time when a report revealed that the suicide rates in Japan have massively increased during the second wave of coronavirus, especially among&nbsp;women and children, in comparison to the first wave.

"Unlike normal economic circumstances, this pandemic disproportionately affects the psychological health of children, adolescents and females (especially housewives)," the study claimed.

The reason behind this is also being reported to be loss of jobs among locals as businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic year.

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus.

After a surge in cases in the country, Japan is thinking of imposing penalties and prison sentences for people who refuse to cooperate with the government and medical experts, especially after testing positive for coronavirus. The rules were proposed by the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a meeting with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Friday, which will be added in amendments in the soon-to-be-introduced infectious disease law. Also read| 'We may never find patient zero': WHO urges countries to cooperate As per these rules, the patients who test positive for coronavirus and refuse to get hospitalised, on the recommendation of the health experts, will face a fine of 1 million yen (over $9,600) or a jail sentence of up to one year. In addition to this, people who refuse to cooperate for contact-tracing after testing positive will be fined 500,000 yen ($4,800) or face a prison sentence of six months. Also read| Japan expands coronavirus emergency to seven more prefectures While some have applauded the move by the government, some locals have addressed concern warning this would prove out to be more tedious for the healthcare workers who have the pressure of taking care of more paperwork now. This has come as Japan crossed the mark of 300,000 coronavirus cases and 4,000 deaths with a recent surge, especially after the new mutations found in the UK, South Africa and Brazil. WATCH| It is also being understood as a way to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus in the country before the planned Tokyo Olympics. The news came at the same time when a report revealed that the suicide rates in Japan have massively increased during the second wave of coronavirus, especially among women and children, in comparison to the first wave. "Unlike normal economic circumstances, this pandemic disproportionately affects the psychological health of children, adolescents and females (especially housewives)," the study claimed. The reason behind this is also being reported to be loss of jobs among locals as businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic year.

Japan to charge fines and prison sentences for non-cooperation of COVID rules

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iocs-senior-official-says-tokyo-olympics-uncertain-due-to-coronavirus-surge-355388" hreflang="en">IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge</a>

According to the survey, 35.3 per cent want the Games to be cancelled and 44.8 per cent favoured another delay. The Olympics were scheduled to be held last year but was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic and is scheduled to be held between July 23-August 8 in Tokyo.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency on greater Tokyo and could extend the measure to other areas as Japan struggles to contain a surge in infections.

The Japanese Prime Minister has been criticised and his support ratings have tumbled for his handling of the pandemic since he succeeded Abe in September. Suga's cabinet's approval rate slid 9 points from a month earlier to 41.3 per cent with the disapproval rate at 42.8 per cent, the Kyodo survey showed.

About 79 per cent said Suga's decision to call the state of emergency for Tokyo came too late and 68 per cent were dissatisfied with the government's response to the pandemic, the survey found.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday.

Around 80 per cent of Japanese want the Tokyo Olympics to either be cancelled or delayed after a surge in coronavirus cases in the Asian country, a Kyodo News poll showed on Sunday. ALSO READ: IOC's senior official says Tokyo Olympics uncertain due to coronavirus surge According to the survey, 35.3 per cent want the Games to be cancelled and 44.8 per cent favoured another delay. The Olympics were scheduled to be held last year but was postponed due to coronavirus pandemic and is scheduled to be held between July 23-August 8 in Tokyo. On Thursday, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency on greater Tokyo and could extend the measure to other areas as Japan struggles to contain a surge in infections. The Japanese Prime Minister has been criticised and his support ratings have tumbled for his handling of the pandemic since he succeeded Abe in September. Suga's cabinet's approval rate slid 9 points from a month earlier to 41.3 per cent with the disapproval rate at 42.8 per cent, the Kyodo survey showed. About 79 per cent said Suga's decision to call the state of emergency for Tokyo came too late and 68 per cent were dissatisfied with the government's response to the pandemic, the survey found. (Inputs from Reuters)

Around 80% want Tokyo Olympics cancelled or delayed: Japanese survey

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement. Suga was quoted by NHK World as he spoke with a commercial broadcaster's radio programme. Suga said he believed that countries, where businesses were run by the state, would find it difficult to join the TPP because its regulations are too high for such a business structure to follow.

The Japanese Prime Minister was responding to Xi Jinping's comments that suggested that China was "positive" about joining the TPP Pact.

Nikkei Asia Review had reported Xi as saying on November 20 that China is open to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, in a likely move to bolster the country`s presence in Asia while the US focuses on its presidential transition. China "will favourably consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership," the Chinese President added.

(With agency inputs)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Sunday said that so long as China had its current regime under President XI Jinping, it would not be able to join Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement. Suga was quoted by NHK World as he spoke with a commercial broadcaster's radio programme. Suga said he believed that countries, where businesses were run by the state, would find it difficult to join the TPP because its regulations are too high for such a business structure to follow. The Japanese Prime Minister was responding to Xi Jinping's comments that suggested that China was "positive" about joining the TPP Pact. Nikkei Asia Review had reported Xi as saying on November 20 that China is open to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact, in a likely move to bolster the country`s presence in Asia while the US focuses on its presidential transition. China "will favourably consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership," the Chinese President added. (With agency inputs)

China won't be able to join TPP under Xi Jinping: Japanese PM

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga began the new year with a promise that the delayed Tokyo Olympics would go ahead in July 2021 -- even as the country fights with a steep rise in coronavirus cases.

“The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held this summer,” Suga said in a written statement for the New Year, describing the event as a symbol of world unity.&nbsp;

“We will make steady preparations to realise a safe and secure tournament.”

New Year's Day is the biggest holiday in Japan's calendar, but this year's festivities have been subdued following record highs in new coronavirus cases nationwide and calls from the government to stay home.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito appealed to the public to work together through the pandemic in a videotaped New Year's Day address to the nation released on Friday.

"I am wishing from my heart that everyone can move forward during this hard time by supporting and helping one another," he said in the address, which was released in place of an annual public appearance by the imperial family during the New Year holidays.&nbsp;

The event was cancelled this year because of the pandemic.

About 3,480 people have died in Japan from around 235,700 cases during the pandemic so far.

New Year's Day festivities in Japan involves spending time with family and praying at local temples, where hordes of people wish for good luck in the coming year.

(with inputs)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga began the new year with a promise that the delayed Tokyo Olympics would go ahead in July 2021 -- even as the country fights with a steep rise in coronavirus cases.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga began the new year with a promise that the delayed Tokyo Olympics would go ahead in July 2021 -- even as the country fights with a steep rise in coronavirus cases. “The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held this summer,” Suga said in a written statement for the New Year, describing the event as a symbol of world unity. “We will make steady preparations to realise a safe and secure tournament.” New Year's Day is the biggest holiday in Japan's calendar, but this year's festivities have been subdued following record highs in new coronavirus cases nationwide and calls from the government to stay home. Japan's Emperor Naruhito appealed to the public to work together through the pandemic in a videotaped New Year's Day address to the nation released on Friday. "I am wishing from my heart that everyone can move forward during this hard time by supporting and helping one another," he said in the address, which was released in place of an annual public appearance by the imperial family during the New Year holidays. The event was cancelled this year because of the pandemic. About 3,480 people have died in Japan from around 235,700 cases during the pandemic so far. New Year's Day festivities in Japan involves spending time with family and praying at local temples, where hordes of people wish for good luck in the coming year. (with inputs)

Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics ‘will be held this summer’: Japan PM

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government approved a new five-year plan on gender equality, which says it will make efforts to meet the 30-percent target "at the earliest possible time" during the next decade.

While Japan ranks highly on a range of international indicators, it persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum.

Just 14.8 percent of leadership positions in politics and business in Japan are occupied by women, "lagging extremely behind internationally," the Cabinet Office said in the new five-year plan.

The new plan replaces the government's last five-year plan, which included the 2020 target.&nbsp;

But the 30-percent target was originally set in 2003 by the cabinet of then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who adopted the ambitious goal in a bid to force the nation's male-dominated bureaucracy and Japan Inc businesses to accept diversity.

Former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who stepped down earlier this year, also repeatedly pledged to meet the same target, and made "womenomics" initiatives to include more women in the work force a key plank of his economic policy.

The Cabinet Office blamed social acceptance of traditional gender roles for the slow progress, saying the government would "make efforts so that women will occupy around 30 percent of leadership positions in the early part of the 2020s."

In the political sphere, women are having to balance political activities and domestic tasks and they face various harassments based on their gender, it said.

And businesses have not been enthusiastic about promoting women, it added.

"Overall, society as a whole still leans toward stereotypical gender roles and has unconscious bias," it said.

The new five-year plan had been expected to include mention of a growing social acceptance of allowing women to keep their maiden names after marriage.

Japanese law currently requires married couples to share the same surname, a law that usually results in women changing their names.

But while polling shows public support for changing the law, the new five-year plan stopped short of backing the move, with conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party pushing to strike down the idea.

Instead, the plan refers to the issue as a matter for "further discussions."

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020.

Japan is "extremely behind" in promoting gender equality its government said Friday, as it delayed an almost two decades-old target to have at least 30 percent of leadership positions occupied by women by the end of 2020. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government approved a new five-year plan on gender equality, which says it will make efforts to meet the 30-percent target "at the earliest possible time" during the next decade. While Japan ranks highly on a range of international indicators, it persistently trails on promoting gender equality, ranking 121 out of 153 nations surveyed in the 2020 global gender gap report of the World Economic Forum. Just 14.8 percent of leadership positions in politics and business in Japan are occupied by women, "lagging extremely behind internationally," the Cabinet Office said in the new five-year plan. The new plan replaces the government's last five-year plan, which included the 2020 target. But the 30-percent target was originally set in 2003 by the cabinet of then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who adopted the ambitious goal in a bid to force the nation's male-dominated bureaucracy and Japan Inc businesses to accept diversity. Former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who stepped down earlier this year, also repeatedly pledged to meet the same target, and made "womenomics" initiatives to include more women in the work force a key plank of his economic policy. The Cabinet Office blamed social acceptance of traditional gender roles for the slow progress, saying the government would "make efforts so that women will occupy around 30 percent of leadership positions in the early part of the 2020s." In the political sphere, women are having to balance political activities and domestic tasks and they face various harassments based on their gender, it said. And businesses have not been enthusiastic about promoting women, it added. "Overall, society as a whole still leans toward stereotypical gender roles and has unconscious bias," it said. The new five-year plan had been expected to include mention of a growing social acceptance of allowing women to keep their maiden names after marriage. Japanese law currently requires married couples to share the same surname, a law that usually results in women changing their names. But while polling shows public support for changing the law, the new five-year plan stopped short of backing the move, with conservative lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party pushing to strike down the idea. Instead, the plan refers to the issue as a matter for "further discussions."

Japan delays women leadership target after falling short

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021. 
 
Kishi suggested that such an act would also ensure the right of passage through the South China Sea (SCS), most of which is now claimed by China. Over years, Japan has voiced for a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), as a large volume of trade goes through the region, particularly energy supplies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-japan-australia-align-to-counter-chinas-growing-regional-influence-344175">Quad: With an eye on China,&nbsp;Japan to&nbsp;&nbsp;Australia align</a>

Japanese Defence Minister stressed told Germany&nbsp;that China is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force in the background." He also welcomed Germany`s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence and contribute to maintaining order in the region. 
 
The defence ministers of the two nations met at a time when Germany had expressed interest over sending its navy to patrol the Indian Ocean trade routes. Addressing Australian and German think tanks, Kramp-Karrenbauer had recently said that her country would also like to have closer defence cooperation with Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-military-bases-vulnerable-to-attack-indefensible-during-war-report-348120">South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report</a>

With an eye on China's claims on the disputed islands in the South China Sea, several&nbsp;smaller nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Taiwan are joining hands with the United States to fend off a common enemy. 
 
The communist giant has also taken over islands and reefs, often violating the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by sending fishing trawlers, research and exploration vessels and even Coast Guard ships. 
 
Owing to Chinese belligerence in the strategic region, a number of European nations have espoused interest in protecting the trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. Nations like France, the Netherlands and Germany have already revised their foreign policies towards China and the Indo-Pacific region, which means that the European Union (EU) too will follow suit in the near future. 
 
The UK too is in the process of upgrading its Indo-Pacific outlook. It has already indicated that its aircraft carrier strike group Queen Elizabeth is likely to visit the region in January 2021. 
 
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reaching out to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia specifically to strengthen economic cooperation and also to garner support for the FOIP,&nbsp;an issue which is close to the Japanese. Japan is active in the four-member Quad comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, whose navies held the Malabar maritime drills in November in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. 
 
Japan has been proactive in strengthening relations with like-minded countries, seeking to build alternative supply chains, strengthening defence cooperation and building alliances for rule of law, freedom of navigation and keeping the shipping lanes free and open.

&nbsp;

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021.

Japan on Friday invited Germany's warship for a naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence in the Indo-Pacific region. In talks between Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and his German counterpart, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Kishi hoped that a German warship would hold joint exercises with Japan`s Self-Defense Forces in 2021. Kishi suggested that such an act would also ensure the right of passage through the South China Sea (SCS), most of which is now claimed by China. Over years, Japan has voiced for a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), as a large volume of trade goes through the region, particularly energy supplies. Also read: Quad: With an eye on China, Japan to Australia align Japanese Defence Minister stressed told Germany that China is "strengthening its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo with force in the background." He also welcomed Germany`s efforts to strengthen its maritime presence and contribute to maintaining order in the region. The defence ministers of the two nations met at a time when Germany had expressed interest over sending its navy to patrol the Indian Ocean trade routes. Addressing Australian and German think tanks, Kramp-Karrenbauer had recently said that her country would also like to have closer defence cooperation with Australia. Also read: South China Sea military bases vulnerable to attack, indefensible during war: Report With an eye on China's claims on the disputed islands in the South China Sea, several smaller nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as Taiwan are joining hands with the United States to fend off a common enemy. The communist giant has also taken over islands and reefs, often violating the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) by sending fishing trawlers, research and exploration vessels and even Coast Guard ships. Owing to Chinese belligerence in the strategic region, a number of European nations have espoused interest in protecting the trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. Nations like France, the Netherlands and Germany have already revised their foreign policies towards China and the Indo-Pacific region, which means that the European Union (EU) too will follow suit in the near future. The UK too is in the process of upgrading its Indo-Pacific outlook. It has already indicated that its aircraft carrier strike group Queen Elizabeth is likely to visit the region in January 2021. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has been reaching out to ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Indonesia specifically to strengthen economic cooperation and also to garner support for the FOIP, an issue which is close to the Japanese. Japan is active in the four-member Quad comprising India, US, Japan and Australia, whose navies held the Malabar maritime drills in November in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Japan has been proactive in strengthening relations with like-minded countries, seeking to build alternative supply chains, strengthening defence cooperation and building alliances for rule of law, freedom of navigation and keeping the shipping lanes free and open.

Japan invites German warship for naval drill to counter China's growing regional influence

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday&nbsp;questioned former&nbsp;Prime Minister Shinzo Abe&nbsp;over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader,&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga.

Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year.

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Prosecutors have been building a case against&nbsp;Abe's secretary over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,922) and had asked&nbsp;Abe&nbsp;to appear for voluntary questioning about the issue, domestic media reported this month.

Tokyo prosecutors said they do not comment on investigations.&nbsp;Abe's office declined to comment and requested that questions be sent by facsimile.

The scandal risks tarnishing Abe’s legacy and could weaken Suga, his preferred successor when he stepped down, saying he required treatment for a recurrence of a chronic bowel condition.

Suga, who was Abe’s chief spokesman for almost eight years, publicly defended the then prime minister when the allegations were first reported last year.

The pressure is building on Abe to give unsworn testimony before a parliamentary budget committee, possibly before the end of the year.

Suga has already seen his approval ratings tumble over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew fire for joining year-end social gatherings despite asking Japanese citizens to avoid such parties amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday questioned former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader, Yoshihide Suga. Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year.

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday questioned former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader, Yoshihide Suga. Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year. Prosecutors have been building a case against Abe's secretary over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,922) and had asked Abe to appear for voluntary questioning about the issue, domestic media reported this month. Tokyo prosecutors said they do not comment on investigations. Abe's office declined to comment and requested that questions be sent by facsimile. The scandal risks tarnishing Abe’s legacy and could weaken Suga, his preferred successor when he stepped down, saying he required treatment for a recurrence of a chronic bowel condition. Suga, who was Abe’s chief spokesman for almost eight years, publicly defended the then prime minister when the allegations were first reported last year. The pressure is building on Abe to give unsworn testimony before a parliamentary budget committee, possibly before the end of the year. Suga has already seen his approval ratings tumble over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew fire for joining year-end social gatherings despite asking Japanese citizens to avoid such parties amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

'Cherry blossom' scandal: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe questioned by prosecutors

In Japan, the government of Yoshihide Suga is reinforcing the country's military might. It has proposed a record $51.7 billion defence budget. This is the ninth consecutive rise in Japan's military spending.

Japan's record $52 billion military budget aims at safeguarding against China

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year.

The coronavirus pandemic has wrought global economic carnage and countries across the world have announced massive cash injections.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-people-died-by-suicide-in-october-than-from-covid-19-in-2020-in-japan-346347">More people died by suicide in October than from COVID-19 in 2020 in Japan</a>

Premier Yoshihide Suga said the latest package, worth 73.6 trillion yen ($708 billion) -- including loan schemes and actual government spending of around 40 trillion yen -- would be formally approved later Tuesday.

It is the first stimulus spending Suga has announced since taking office in September, and comes as Japan faces a spike in Covid-19 infections, with record numbers of new cases reported in recent weeks.

"We drew up (the stimulus package) to pave the way for new growth, to protect people's livelihoods as well as maintaining employment and keeping businesses going," he said.

Japan officially exited recession last month after three quarters of contraction, and hopes to cement its recovery with the latest spending -- which follows previous packages in April and June worth around 117 trillion yen each.

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Government data released Tuesday revised up Japan's GDP figure for the July-September period to 5.3 percent from a preliminary estimate of 5.0 percent.

The new package includes financial support for medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, and subsidies to continue a controversial domestic travel scheme supporting tourism-dependent businesses.

While Japan has seen a relatively small Covid-19 outbreak overall -- with 163,929 confirmed cases and 2,382 deaths -- there has been a sharp rise in infections, and doctors have warned that hospitals could be overwhelmed.

A severe shortage of medical staff has been reported in Osaka and the northern Hokkaido region, with local media saying military backup could be sent to hospitals there.

The package also features a $20 billion green tech fund designed to support projects from renewable energy development to pollution reduction.

In October, Suga set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon neutral, significantly firming up the country's climate-change commitments.

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year.

Japan's prime minister on Tuesday unveiled more than $700 billion in fresh stimulus to fund projects from anti-coronavirus measures to green tech, the country's third such package this financial year. The coronavirus pandemic has wrought global economic carnage and countries across the world have announced massive cash injections. Also read| More people died by suicide in October than from COVID-19 in 2020 in Japan Premier Yoshihide Suga said the latest package, worth 73.6 trillion yen ($708 billion) -- including loan schemes and actual government spending of around 40 trillion yen -- would be formally approved later Tuesday. It is the first stimulus spending Suga has announced since taking office in September, and comes as Japan faces a spike in Covid-19 infections, with record numbers of new cases reported in recent weeks. "We drew up (the stimulus package) to pave the way for new growth, to protect people's livelihoods as well as maintaining employment and keeping businesses going," he said. Japan officially exited recession last month after three quarters of contraction, and hopes to cement its recovery with the latest spending -- which follows previous packages in April and June worth around 117 trillion yen each. × Government data released Tuesday revised up Japan's GDP figure for the July-September period to 5.3 percent from a preliminary estimate of 5.0 percent. The new package includes financial support for medical institutions and facilities for the elderly, and subsidies to continue a controversial domestic travel scheme supporting tourism-dependent businesses. While Japan has seen a relatively small Covid-19 outbreak overall -- with 163,929 confirmed cases and 2,382 deaths -- there has been a sharp rise in infections, and doctors have warned that hospitals could be overwhelmed. A severe shortage of medical staff has been reported in Osaka and the northern Hokkaido region, with local media saying military backup could be sent to hospitals there. The package also features a $20 billion green tech fund designed to support projects from renewable energy development to pollution reduction. In October, Suga set a 2050 deadline for Japan to become carbon neutral, significantly firming up the country's climate-change commitments.

Japan unveils fresh $700 billion stimulus package

Newly appointed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-foreign-minister-visits-japan-to-seek-cooperation-amid-regional-tensions-345113">Japanese </a>Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday reviewed the country's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) troops in Iruma Air Base in Saitama prefecture.

Watch:

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The Japanese prime minister in his address said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-japan-australia-align-to-counter-chinas-growing-regional-influence-344175">defence</a> forces should develop capabilities to tackle new battlefields in outer space, cyberspace and electromagnetic fields.

"It is getting more difficult for each organisation (Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces) to deal with separately," PM Suga said, adding, "It is important that we break barriers between ground, maritime and air self-Defense forces and tackle security challenges together."

Japan has been locked in a cold war with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-indian-australian-japanese-naval-forces-have-proved-their-ability-nimitz-commander-on-malabar-naval-exercise-344566">China</a> over the East China Sea even as the two countries have begun engaging in high-level talks. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had recently visited Japan amid Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region.&nbsp;

Wang met PM Suga during his two-day visit to Tokyo as the foreign minister said Chinese President Xi Jinping wants to build "good working relations" with his Japanese counterpart. Wang asserted that his country would like to make the East China Sea "the sea of peace" in cooperation with Japan.

Japanese media had earlier reported it is ready to sign a defence pact with Australia amid growing threat from China's military power in the region.&nbsp;

Suga had visited Vietnam earlier as part of his first overseas trip since taking office last month and agreed to step up security and defence cooperation with an agreement in principle for Japan to export defence equipment and technology to Vietnam as it seeks to keep China influence in the South China Sea under control.

"The two sides agreed to tighten cooperation before regional challenges including the issue of the South China Sea," said Suga during his visit to Vietnam.

Newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday reviewed the country's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) troops in Iruma Air Base in Saitama prefecture.

Newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday reviewed the country's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) troops in Iruma Air Base in Saitama prefecture. Watch: The Japanese prime minister in his address said that the defence forces should develop capabilities to tackle new battlefields in outer space, cyberspace and electromagnetic fields. "It is getting more difficult for each organisation (Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces) to deal with separately," PM Suga said, adding, "It is important that we break barriers between ground, maritime and air self-Defense forces and tackle security challenges together." Japan has been locked in a cold war with China over the East China Sea even as the two countries have begun engaging in high-level talks. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had recently visited Japan amid Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region. Wang met PM Suga during his two-day visit to Tokyo as the foreign minister said Chinese President Xi Jinping wants to build "good working relations" with his Japanese counterpart. Wang asserted that his country would like to make the East China Sea "the sea of peace" in cooperation with Japan. Japanese media had earlier reported it is ready to sign a defence pact with Australia amid growing threat from China's military power in the region. Suga had visited Vietnam earlier as part of his first overseas trip since taking office last month and agreed to step up security and defence cooperation with an agreement in principle for Japan to export defence equipment and technology to Vietnam as it seeks to keep China influence in the South China Sea under control. "The two sides agreed to tighten cooperation before regional challenges including the issue of the South China Sea," said Suga during his visit to Vietnam.

Japan PM Suga reviews air defence troops, calls joint effort to develop new capabilities

US President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region.&nbsp;

Despite Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat, the head of states of all the three nations earlier congratulated Biden on his victory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-makes-first-white-house-appointment-names-klain-as-chief-of-staff-342522">Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff</a>

In his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the latter told Biden about the "increasingly severe" security situation in the region, as per various Japanese officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-of-america-is-back-in-the-game-joe-biden-tells-world-leaders-342283">United States of America is ‘back in the game’: Joe Biden tells world leaders</a>

Biden, in his response, spoke of America's "deep commitment to the defence of Japan" and to decades-old treaty obligations, as per his transition team.

In a move likely to invite Beijing's wrath, the president-elect reportedly confirmed this defence commitment extended to the Senkakus, an uninhabited island chain claimed by both Japan and China which has been a major conflicting issue for decades.

Biden, in his 14-minute-conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said to have called the US-South Korea partnership as "the linchpin of security and prosperity" in the region and vowed to work collectively on "shared challenges", including North Korea and climate change.

South Korea's presidential Blue House said both leaders had agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's swearing-in.&nbsp;

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In his call with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Biden reportedly highlighted the need of "confronting climate change", which the conservative government in Canberra has been criticised for severely in recent times.&nbsp;

However, describing the call as "very warm", Morrison said Biden did not speak on net-zero carbon targets, focussing instead on "emissions reduction technologies".

Biden was also invited to visit Australia next year for the 70th anniversary of a security treaty between both the nations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President-elect Joe Biden dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region.

US President-elect Joe Biden dialled US allies, Australia, South Korea and Japan on Thursday as he delivered the message of reassurance to American commitments in the region. Despite Donald Trump's refusal to accept defeat, the head of states of all the three nations earlier congratulated Biden on his victory. Also read | Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff In his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the latter told Biden about the "increasingly severe" security situation in the region, as per various Japanese officials. Also read | United States of America is ‘back in the game’: Joe Biden tells world leaders Biden, in his response, spoke of America's "deep commitment to the defence of Japan" and to decades-old treaty obligations, as per his transition team. In a move likely to invite Beijing's wrath, the president-elect reportedly confirmed this defence commitment extended to the Senkakus, an uninhabited island chain claimed by both Japan and China which has been a major conflicting issue for decades. Biden, in his 14-minute-conversation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said to have called the US-South Korea partnership as "the linchpin of security and prosperity" in the region and vowed to work collectively on "shared challenges", including North Korea and climate change. South Korea's presidential Blue House said both leaders had agreed to meet "as soon as possible" after Biden's swearing-in. × In his call with Australian PM Scott Morrison, Biden reportedly highlighted the need of "confronting climate change", which the conservative government in Canberra has been criticised for severely in recent times. However, describing the call as "very warm", Morrison said Biden did not speak on net-zero carbon targets, focussing instead on "emissions reduction technologies". Biden was also invited to visit Australia next year for the 70th anniversary of a security treaty between both the nations.

Joe Biden dials Asian Pacific allies, reassures American commitments

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday declared war against an&nbsp;ink stamp known as Hanko.

Hanko seals are used on administrative documents, a custom that has been reprimanded as obsolete and necessitating face-to-face interaction that risks spreading the coronavirus.

It might seem paradoxical in a country often assumed to be a futuristic tech-savvy paradise, but Japan's business world and bureaucracy remain heavily dependent on paper documents, hand-stamped with approval.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-suicides-up-to-highest-level-in-5-years-due-to-coronavirus-related-economic-woes-342143" hreflang="en">Japan: Suicides up to highest level in 5 years due to coronavirus-related economic woes</a>

Now, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is on a push to digitise the nation, but he faces an uphill struggle when it comes to the stamps, which range from mass-produced plastic ones to hand-carved wooden versions used on special occasions.

"I need all services to accumulate a thorough survey of their authoritative strategies sooner rather than later," Suga told a gathering of the Council for Promotion of Regulatory Reform, a warning board of individuals from the private area and scholastics.&nbsp;

It might seem paradoxical in a country often assumed to be a futuristic tech-savvy paradise, but Japan's business world and bureaucracy remain heavily dependent on paper documents, hand-stamped with approval.

Stamp it out&nbsp;

As the seals should be squeezed onto actual duplicates of records, they are viewed as preventing endeavors to keep up social separating in the midst of the COVID-19 emergency.&nbsp;

Of the in excess of 10,000 kinds of authoritative techniques that require Hanko, beyond what 90% can be disentangled, as indicated by Taro Kono, the administrative reform minister.

Kono has said he plans to submit enactment to deliver the issue to the following year's common Diet meeting, and that he likewise needs to lessen the utilization of fax machines.&nbsp;

At Wednesday's gathering, Suga focused on the requirement for online clinical meetings, which have been liberated as an uncommon measure against the Covid, to turn into a lasting choice.&nbsp;

The PM, who got down to business in mid-September, likewise emphasized his push for separation figuring out how to be made all the more broadly accessible, saying such innovation "should be exploited in the advanced age."

Seal of approval

Having the whole team's stamps shows a collective decision has been made, Watanabe said.

"It's like, 'I stamped my seal to approve it but you did it before me, so you should be held liable'," explained accountant Tetsuya Katayama.

"No one wants to take responsibility in Japan," he said.

Watanabe warned that the government's anti-hanko campaign will founder unless Japanese workers can break out of that mentality.

"Even if they digitise paperwork, they will end up pressing computer buttons as many times (as they stamped)," he said.

"People have to steel themselves to take certain responsibility."

At the All Japan Hanko Industry Association, senior official Keiichi Fukushima is a perhaps unlikely advocate for scaling back stamping.

"People have used hanko stamps just for the sake of stamping," he concedes.

Insisting they are used only when necessary will clarify when they're actually needed and "may be a good chance to prove how important the custom of hanko is".

&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday declared war against an ink stamp known as Hanko. Hanko seals are used on administrative documents, a custom that has been reprimanded as obsolete and necessitating face-to-face interaction that risks spreading the coronavirus.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Tuesday declared war against an ink stamp known as Hanko. Hanko seals are used on administrative documents, a custom that has been reprimanded as obsolete and necessitating face-to-face interaction that risks spreading the coronavirus. It might seem paradoxical in a country often assumed to be a futuristic tech-savvy paradise, but Japan's business world and bureaucracy remain heavily dependent on paper documents, hand-stamped with approval. Also read: Japan: Suicides up to highest level in 5 years due to coronavirus-related economic woes Now, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is on a push to digitise the nation, but he faces an uphill struggle when it comes to the stamps, which range from mass-produced plastic ones to hand-carved wooden versions used on special occasions. "I need all services to accumulate a thorough survey of their authoritative strategies sooner rather than later," Suga told a gathering of the Council for Promotion of Regulatory Reform, a warning board of individuals from the private area and scholastics. It might seem paradoxical in a country often assumed to be a futuristic tech-savvy paradise, but Japan's business world and bureaucracy remain heavily dependent on paper documents, hand-stamped with approval. Stamp it out As the seals should be squeezed onto actual duplicates of records, they are viewed as preventing endeavors to keep up social separating in the midst of the COVID-19 emergency. Of the in excess of 10,000 kinds of authoritative techniques that require Hanko, beyond what 90% can be disentangled, as indicated by Taro Kono, the administrative reform minister. Kono has said he plans to submit enactment to deliver the issue to the following year's common Diet meeting, and that he likewise needs to lessen the utilization of fax machines. At Wednesday's gathering, Suga focused on the requirement for online clinical meetings, which have been liberated as an uncommon measure against the Covid, to turn into a lasting choice. The PM, who got down to business in mid-September, likewise emphasized his push for separation figuring out how to be made all the more broadly accessible, saying such innovation "should be exploited in the advanced age." Seal of approval Having the whole team's stamps shows a collective decision has been made, Watanabe said. "It's like, 'I stamped my seal to approve it but you did it before me, so you should be held liable'," explained accountant Tetsuya Katayama. "No one wants to take responsibility in Japan," he said. Watanabe warned that the government's anti-hanko campaign will founder unless Japanese workers can break out of that mentality. "Even if they digitise paperwork, they will end up pressing computer buttons as many times (as they stamped)," he said. "People have to steel themselves to take certain responsibility." At the All Japan Hanko Industry Association, senior official Keiichi Fukushima is a perhaps unlikely advocate for scaling back stamping. "People have used hanko stamps just for the sake of stamping," he concedes. Insisting they are used only when necessary will clarify when they're actually needed and "may be a good chance to prove how important the custom of hanko is".

Paradoxical? Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declares war on ink stamp 'hanko'

Japan&nbsp;on Monday set a 2050 deadline&nbsp;for the world's third-largest economy to&nbsp;attain&nbsp;a zero-emissions, carbon-neutral society,&nbsp;significantly firming up the country's climate change commitments.

Tokyo had previously said it would achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible in the second half of the century, rather than set an explicit target, and its swing brings it into line with the European Union, which set a carbon neutrality target of 2050 last year.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-release-radioactive-water-from-fukushima-nuclear-plant-into-sea-report-335626">Japan to release radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into sea: Report</a>

"Responding to climate change is no longer a constraint on economic growth," Suga said in a prepared speech, his first policy address to parliament since taking office last month.

"We need to change our thinking to the view that taking assertive measures against climate change will lead to changes in industrial structure and the economy that will bring about great growth."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/underground-parthenon-protecting-tokyo-from-floods-334941">Underground 'Parthenon' protecting Tokyo from floods</a>

Japan is the world's fifth-biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, and while moves are being made to increase renewable energy, the country also plans to roll out new coal stations.

Suga did give a precise timeline for how Japan, a country still heavily reliant on coal, will achieve the goal but said the technology would be essential.

"The key is innovation," Suga said, citing examples including next-generation solar batteries.

He said Japan would also push the use of renewable energy and nuclear power, stressing that safety would be a priority,&nbsp;a key point in a country that suffered the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Japan, which is a signatory to the Paris agreement, was the sixth-biggest contributor to global greenhouse emissions in 2018, according to the International Energy Agency.

Tokyo has been struggling to cut carbon emissions after shutting down its nuclear reactors following the 2011 meltdown in Fukushima sparked by a devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Reliance on fossil fuels like coal increased in Japan after the Fukushima disaster, as public anger over the accident pushed all of the country's nuclear reactors offline temporarily.

Japan on Monday set a 2050 deadline for the world's third-largest economy to attain a zero-emissions, carbon-neutral society, significantly firming up the country's climate change commitments.

Japan on Monday set a 2050 deadline for the world's third-largest economy to attain a zero-emissions, carbon-neutral society, significantly firming up the country's climate change commitments. Tokyo had previously said it would achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible in the second half of the century, rather than set an explicit target, and its swing brings it into line with the European Union, which set a carbon neutrality target of 2050 last year. Also read| Japan to release radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into sea: Report "Responding to climate change is no longer a constraint on economic growth," Suga said in a prepared speech, his first policy address to parliament since taking office last month. "We need to change our thinking to the view that taking assertive measures against climate change will lead to changes in industrial structure and the economy that will bring about great growth." Also see: Underground 'Parthenon' protecting Tokyo from floods Japan is the world's fifth-biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, and while moves are being made to increase renewable energy, the country also plans to roll out new coal stations. Suga did give a precise timeline for how Japan, a country still heavily reliant on coal, will achieve the goal but said the technology would be essential. "The key is innovation," Suga said, citing examples including next-generation solar batteries. He said Japan would also push the use of renewable energy and nuclear power, stressing that safety would be a priority, a key point in a country that suffered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japan, which is a signatory to the Paris agreement, was the sixth-biggest contributor to global greenhouse emissions in 2018, according to the International Energy Agency. Tokyo has been struggling to cut carbon emissions after shutting down its nuclear reactors following the 2011 meltdown in Fukushima sparked by a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Reliance on fossil fuels like coal increased in Japan after the Fukushima disaster, as public anger over the accident pushed all of the country's nuclear reactors offline temporarily.

Japan announces deadline for attaining zero-emissions, carbon neutral society

Japan on Wednesday&nbsp;opposed&nbsp;any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga&nbsp;took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-chinese-submarine-parked-near-south-china-sea-322224">Satellite images show Chinese submarine parked near the South China Sea</a>

A number of Southeast Asian nations dispute China’s claims to the waters.

“In the Indo-Pacific that connects maritime transport between Japan and ASEAN, we can achieve the peace and prosperity only by fully implementing rule of law that allows anyone freedom and openness,” Suga told a news conference in Jakarta. ASEAN is the 11-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“But in the South China Sea, opposite actions are being taken and we are closely watching with grave concern,” Suga said. “Japan opposes to any action that would increase tensions in the South China Sea.”

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/south-china-sea-row-why-us-has-deployed-warship-uss-nimitz-in-naval-exercise-with-india-314673">South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India</a>

Suga reiterated that all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes must make peaceful efforts toward resolution, not by force or threat.

Suga pledged to strengthen bilateral defense ties with Southeast Asian nations and promised further assistance to step up their maritime policing, including training and equipment transfer from the Japanese Coast Guard.

The trip follows this month's meeting in Tokyo of the “Quad”, an informal grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the United States that Washington sees as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence.

China has denounced the grouping of the four democracies as a "mini-NATO" aimed at containing its development.

"Our response in the South China Sea is not aimed at any one country," Suga said, when asked if Japan wanted to create an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Suga must balance Japan’s deep economic ties with China against security concerns, including Beijing’s growing push to assert claims over disputed East China Sea isles.

Some in his ruling party want to see a harder line, after ties warmed under his predecessor, Shinzo Abe.

"Japan is determined to defend its territory, territorial waters and air space," Suga said, adding that Japan also opposed actions that raised tension in the East China Sea.

Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have territorial disputes with China in the vital South China Sea, but are wary of alienating the group's major economic partner and getting entangled in an intense confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

But some welcome Japan's greater engagement in the region.

Suga agreed with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday to speed talks on the export of Japanese defence gear and technology to Indonesia and have their defence and foreign ministers meet soon.

A day earlier, the Japanese leader and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc also agreed in principle on a military equipment and technology export pact.

Japan on Wednesday opposed any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways.

Japan on Wednesday opposed any actions that escalate tension in the East and South China Seas. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga took a thinly veiled dig at China’s activities in the disputed South China Sea, where it has built and militarised manmade islands and is pressing its claim to virtually all of the sea’s key fisheries and waterways. Also see: Satellite images show Chinese submarine parked near the South China Sea A number of Southeast Asian nations dispute China’s claims to the waters. “In the Indo-Pacific that connects maritime transport between Japan and ASEAN, we can achieve the peace and prosperity only by fully implementing rule of law that allows anyone freedom and openness,” Suga told a news conference in Jakarta. ASEAN is the 11-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations. “But in the South China Sea, opposite actions are being taken and we are closely watching with grave concern,” Suga said. “Japan opposes to any action that would increase tensions in the South China Sea.” Also see: South China Sea row: Why US has deployed warship USS Nimitz in Naval exercise with India Suga reiterated that all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes must make peaceful efforts toward resolution, not by force or threat. Suga pledged to strengthen bilateral defense ties with Southeast Asian nations and promised further assistance to step up their maritime policing, including training and equipment transfer from the Japanese Coast Guard. The trip follows this month's meeting in Tokyo of the “Quad”, an informal grouping of India, Australia, Japan and the United States that Washington sees as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence. China has denounced the grouping of the four democracies as a "mini-NATO" aimed at containing its development. "Our response in the South China Sea is not aimed at any one country," Suga said, when asked if Japan wanted to create an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Suga must balance Japan’s deep economic ties with China against security concerns, including Beijing’s growing push to assert claims over disputed East China Sea isles. Some in his ruling party want to see a harder line, after ties warmed under his predecessor, Shinzo Abe. "Japan is determined to defend its territory, territorial waters and air space," Suga said, adding that Japan also opposed actions that raised tension in the East China Sea. Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have territorial disputes with China in the vital South China Sea, but are wary of alienating the group's major economic partner and getting entangled in an intense confrontation between Washington and Beijing. But some welcome Japan's greater engagement in the region. Suga agreed with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday to speed talks on the export of Japanese defence gear and technology to Indonesia and have their defence and foreign ministers meet soon. A day earlier, the Japanese leader and Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc also agreed in principle on a military equipment and technology export pact.

South China Sea: Japan's Prime Miniter Yoshihide Suga opposes actions that escalate tensions

Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga is in Vietnam amid Chinese aggression in South China sea. The two countries have reached on agreements to strengthen security and economic ties.

WION Dispatch: Japan,Vietnam exchange agreements on transfer of defence gear

Japanese, Vietnam PMs agree on importance of peace

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, reached a defence agreement "in principle"&nbsp;amid tensions with China over the South China Sea region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-pm-suga-arrives-in-vietnam-on-first-foreign-visit-amid-tensions-with-china-336314">Also Read:&nbsp;Japanese PM Suga arrives in Vietnam on first foreign visit amid tensions with China</a>

Japan is set to export military gear and technology to Vietnam, it was announced as Japanese Prime Minister Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit which was his first visit to a foreign country.

"The development of Japan-Vietnam relations for the future. It is a big step in the field of security for both countries that we reached an agreement in principle on the transfers of defence equipment and technology," PM Suga said.

"We agreed on restarting "business track" travel as well as passenger flights between the two countries. We advance the diversification of supply chains," the Japanese prime minister added.

Vietnam PM&nbsp;Nguyen Xuan Phuc meanwhile asserted that the two countries reaffirmed the importance of "maintaining safety, stability and freedom of navigation, both over the water and air in the South China Sea."

"We agreed to promote dispute solving through peaceful solutions, restrain from use of force or threaten to use force, abiding to international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in reference to China which is locked in a dispute with several east Asian countries in the South China Sea including Vietnam.

PM Suga stressed the importance of cooperation amid the impact coronavirus pandemic which has severely hit both economies as both countries.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to fly out to Indonia next where he is set to meet President&nbsp;Joko . PM Suga had taken over as Japan's prime minister last month after former prime minister Shinzo Abe resigned due to illness.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, reached a defence agreement "in principle" amid tensions with China over the South China Sea region.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, reached a defence agreement "in principle" amid tensions with China over the South China Sea region. Also Read: Japanese PM Suga arrives in Vietnam on first foreign visit amid tensions with China Japan is set to export military gear and technology to Vietnam, it was announced as Japanese Prime Minister Suga arrived in Vietnam on a two-day visit which was his first visit to a foreign country. "The development of Japan-Vietnam relations for the future. It is a big step in the field of security for both countries that we reached an agreement in principle on the transfers of defence equipment and technology," PM Suga said. "We agreed on restarting "business track" travel as well as passenger flights between the two countries. We advance the diversification of supply chains," the Japanese prime minister added. Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc meanwhile asserted that the two countries reaffirmed the importance of "maintaining safety, stability and freedom of navigation, both over the water and air in the South China Sea." "We agreed to promote dispute solving through peaceful solutions, restrain from use of force or threaten to use force, abiding to international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in reference to China which is locked in a dispute with several east Asian countries in the South China Sea including Vietnam. PM Suga stressed the importance of cooperation amid the impact coronavirus pandemic which has severely hit both economies as both countries. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to fly out to Indonia next where he is set to meet President Joko . PM Suga had taken over as Japan's prime minister last month after former prime minister Shinzo Abe resigned due to illness.

'Freedom of navigation in South China Sea': Japan to transfer defence gear to Vietnam amid South China Sea tensions

Japan's new prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, leaves today on his first overseas foray since taking over from Shinzo Abe last month, heading to Vietnam and Indonesia.

Japan opens another anti-China front; PM Yoshihide Suga departs for Vietnam

United States' Secretary of States Mike Pompeo slammed China over COVID-19 Quad Foreign Ministers' meet in presence of India's Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar. Mike Pompeo also discussed post-COVID world order.

Mike Pompeo slams China over COVID-19 in Quad Foreign Ministers' meet

Pompeo's trip comes despite the coronavirus crisis gripping Washington, which has seen President Donald Trump and a raft of his closest staff and advisors test positive for Covid-19.

Pompeo hails Japan PM Yoshihide Suga 'Force for good' during his visit to Tokyo

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