G7 warms China to embrace peace

The G7 group of economically strong democracies has unequivocally called on China to respect international rules. “We remind China of the need to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and abstain from threats, coercion, intimidation, or the use of force,” states a joint declaration adopted on Tuesday at the end of the … Continue reading G7 warms China to embrace peace

Qatar 2022: Why Japan’s controversial goal against Spain was allowed

The goal that dumped Germany out of the 2022 World Cup initially didn’t count. Japan scored it to take the lead during its 2-1 win over Spain on Thursday, but referees initially disallowed it because the ball, a second before the goal, seemed to have crossed the end line. But the video assistant referee (VAR), after reviewing … Continue reading Qatar 2022: Why Japan’s controversial goal against Spain was allowed

Japan issues special typhoon warning as ‘unprecedented’ storm approaches

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a special typhoon warning on Saturday for Kagoshima prefecture on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's main islands, as the region braces for a powerful and potentially destructive super typhoon. The warning came after the weather agency earlier in the day urged residents to evacuate parts of the Kyushu, ahead of … Continue reading Japan issues special typhoon warning as ‘unprecedented’ storm approaches

Japanese Monkeys: Member of gang terrorizing locals caught and killed

A member of a gang of monkeys that has terrorized residents of a Japanese city for weeks has been caught and killed, officials say. The macaques have injured almost 50 people in Yamaguchi. The male primate was found in the grounds of a high school on Tuesday evening by specially commissioned hunters. It was tranquilized and … Continue reading Japanese Monkeys: Member of gang terrorizing locals caught and killed

Shinzo Abe’s assassination was avoidable — Security expert explains

A day after the brazen assassination of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a campaign speech on a city street, security at the event -- or the lack thereof -- is now under the spotlight of scrutiny. Questions have swirled in security circles over how the suspect was able to get so close to Abe … Continue reading Shinzo Abe’s assassination was avoidable — Security expert explains

How the world will remember Shinzo Abe

The body of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was returned to Tokyo on Saturday after he was fatally shot during a campaign speech in western Japan a day earlier. Abe was attacked in the city of Nara and airlifted to a local hospital but died of blood loss despite emergency treatment including massive blood … Continue reading How the world will remember Shinzo Abe

Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe assassinated at a political rally

Japan has been brought to a standstill by the news that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe died after being shot on the campaign trail for Sunday’s upper house elections. A lone gunman attacked Abe, who was pronounced dead at a hospital in Nara from wounds in his chest and neck. This is a tragedy that … Continue reading Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe assassinated at a political rally

Japan PM warns China over activities in East China Sea

China's efforts to develop areas in the East China Sea are "unacceptable," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said this week. Talking to reporters in Kyoto, Kishida said his government had lodged a complaint against China for its actions. At the same time as Kishida's announcement, the Japanese foreign ministry said there has been an increase … Continue reading Japan PM warns China over activities in East China Sea

XE Variant: What you should know about the new COVID strain found in the UK and Japan

A new COVID-19 variant made up of two strains of Omicron is thought to be even more infectious than the one currently driving cases up around the world. Health officials are tracking the strain, called XE, which was first detected in the UK but is now being reported in cases elsewhere. It’s just the latest … Continue reading XE Variant: What you should know about the new COVID strain found in the UK and Japan

Japan executes 3 death-row inmates in first use of capital punishment since 2019

Japan hanged three death-row inmates on Tuesday, its first executions in two years, amid growing criticism by human rights groups of the country's use of the death penalty. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com One of the three, Yasutaka Fujishiro, was convicted of killing seven people and setting fire to their house in 2004, while the … Continue reading Japan executes 3 death-row inmates in first use of capital punishment since 2019

Japan to adjust visa policy amid labor shortage

Japan has long stood out among industrialized nations for its closed-door policy on immigration. But as the country faces an acute labor shortage, on top of looming problems brought on by population decline, Tokyo is moving to open up, at least somewhat, to foreigners. Photo by Vitalina on Pexels.com Japanese officials said Thursday that the … Continue reading Japan to adjust visa policy amid labor shortage

Naomi Osaka opens up on mental health issues

The highest-paid female athlete in the world, tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, decided to leave the French Open at the end of May citing her battle with depression and anxiety. Her withdrawal from the tournament created a media frenzy, and divided journalists and fans. But it has also started a conversation about athletes and mental health that … Continue reading Naomi Osaka opens up on mental health issues

Tokyo Olympics: Media coverage of games will be closely monitored

Media covering the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be closely monitored to ensure they do not leave pre-registered areas such as hotels and sports venues, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said on Tuesday. Dimitri Isler of Switzerland trains for the men's aerials during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea. REUTERS/Mike Blake She spoke of … Continue reading Tokyo Olympics: Media coverage of games will be closely monitored

Japan to improve speed of vaccination, reduce number of Olympic staff and visitors

Japan plans to finish vaccinating all citizens who have applied for shots by October-November, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said during a debate between party leaders on Wednesday. Respect is a language everyone understands in Japan The debate was the first since June 2019, with Suga facing off against Yukio Edano, leader of the main opposition … Continue reading Japan to improve speed of vaccination, reduce number of Olympic staff and visitors

USA baseball team ready for Tokyo Olympics

Team USA clinched a berth in the Tokyo Olympics with a 4-2 win Saturday night against Venezuela in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The team, a mix of major league free agents and notable prospects managed by Mike Scioscia, finished 4-0 to win the Americas qualifying tournament. The U.S. will compete against host Japan, Israel, Mexico … Continue reading USA baseball team ready for Tokyo Olympics