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May 19, 2024
 

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JAPAN

A vehicle carrying Seiha Sekine, the 32-year-old common-law husband of the deceased Tokyo couple's first daughter, leaves a police station in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward on Tuesday.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
May 7, 2024
Two more arrested over brutal murder of couple in Tochigi
By Karin Kaneko
Police suspect the Tokyo couple's murder was orchestrated by their daughter's common-law husband, who managed some of the restaurants they operated.
The Lower House starts discussing a security clearance bill on April 19 in Tokyo.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 7, 2024
Unlike 10 years ago, Japan's new security bill sparks little debate
By Gabriele Ninivaggi
Some point to a shift in the nation’s security stance, while opposition party lawmakers indicate a general apathy among the media to cover the story.
Cold medicine packages at a drug store. Japan has faced unseasonal and larger-than-usual outbreaks of infectious diseases over the past year after the COVID-19's downgrade to the same level as flu.
JAPAN / Science & Health
May 7, 2024
Anti-infection measures still needed, one year after COVID-19 downgrade
Despite the drop in COVID-19 cases, childhood infectious diseases and the flu have spread in the country over the past year.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrives at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Monday after his trip to France, Brazil and Paraguay.
JAPAN / Politics
May 7, 2024
LDP weighs proposal to disclose usage of party's 'policy activity funds'
Policy activity funds are provided to lawmakers from parties to which they belong. How they are used is not presently subject to disclosure.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa meets with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on April 29.
JAPAN / Politics
May 7, 2024
Kamikawa supporting struggling Kishida government on diplomatic front
Some in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are hoping she will become a candidate for the party presidency and lead it through the next general election.
Auto parts maker Toyoda Gosei makes bags and other items by reusing its mainstay air bag products.
JAPAN
May 7, 2024
Upcycling efforts spread among Japanese companies
Japanese companies are increasingly engaging in upcycling efforts, or adding new value to used products and waste materials, as part of their environmental and social contributions and to generate profits.
A news conference is held following a settlement being reached in a labor tribunal proceeding in Tokyo.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal / FOCUS
May 7, 2024
Nondisclosure issue a lingering problem in Japan labor cases
One worker in Osaka Prefecture is contesting a nondisclosure clause that was added to her labor tribunal case's resolution against her will.
A social welfare office in Tokyo sets up a counter for special COVID loans in June 2020.
JAPAN
May 7, 2024
Only 37% of COVID-19 special loans were repaid in Japan
Some special loan recipients had been facing financial difficulties even before the pandemic
Kenta Izumi, head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks at a news conference at the Parliament building last month.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 7, 2024
Japan opposition seeks snap election, but united front proving elusive
Despite the calls, questions remain over whether opposition parties will be able to join hands against the LDP in the next Lower House general election.

ASIA PACIFIC

French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen walk after their meeting in Paris on Monday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
May 7, 2024
Xi bristles as Macron and von der Leyen urge China to do more on Ukraine
By Gabriel Dominguez
The Chinese president also rejected what he described as attempts to use the Ukraine conflict to smear a third country or stoke a new Cold War.
Her, a self-described feminist bar in Shanghai, on March 15. Women in Shanghai gather in bars, salons and bookstores to reclaim their identities as the country’s leader calls for China to adopt a “childbearing culture.”
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
May 7, 2024
In China, ruled by men, women quietly find a powerful voice
By Alexandra Stevenson
Women in Shanghai gather to reclaim their identities as the country’s leader calls for China to adopt a “childbearing culture.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) gives an address to the Leaders’ Plenary during the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center in Melbourne, on March 6.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
May 7, 2024
Australian PM Albanese calls Chinese military air incident 'unacceptable'
By Kirsty Needham
A Chinese fighter jet dropped flares above and ahead of an Australian helicopter above the Yellow Sea during an operation to enforce North Korea sanctions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a campaign rally in Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, on April 25.
ASIA PACIFIC
May 7, 2024
Modi’s home state votes in heated Indian election campaign
By Dan Strumpf
India’s election entered its third phase Tuesday, with campaigning becoming increasingly acrimonious between the two main parties.

WORLD

Justin Trudeau
WORLD / Politics
May 7, 2024
Alleged Chinese meddling spurs foreign agent registry in Canada
By Brian Platt
The move comes after allegations China attempted to meddle in the last two Canadian elections.
Displaced Palestinians who fled Rafah ride atop a car in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday.
WORLD / Politics
May 7, 2024
Saying cease-fire plan falls short, Israel continues attacks on Rafah
By Fares Akram, Dana Khraiche and Galit Altstein
Israel’s war Cabinet unanimously rejected the truce as "far from Israel’s necessary demands,” dashing hopes for an immediate pause in the fighting.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Orthodox Easter service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow on Sunday.
WORLD / Politics
May 7, 2024
U.S. and most EU nations to boycott Putin's inauguration over Ukraine war
By Tom Balmforth and John Irish
France and some other EU states were expected to send an envoy despite a plea by Kyiv.
A U.S. Naval Special Warfare Operator fires a Switchblade 300 loitering munition during training exercises in Fallon, Nevada, last July. The U.S. Defense Department plans to use small drones — known in the Pentagon as “all-domain attritable autonomous systems” — to help counter Chinese military systems and tactics.
WORLD
May 7, 2024
Pentagon reveals drone types for Replicator program to counter China
By Gabriel Dominguez
The first tranche will include uncrewed surface vehicles, uncrewed aerial systems and counter-uncrewed aerial systems of various sizes and payloads.
A supporter wears a mask depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election campaign rally for Amit Shah, the Indian Home Minister and a leader of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in the city of Ahmedabad, in the Indian state of Gujarat, on April 30.
WORLD / Politics
May 7, 2024
As India votes, Modi's BJP takes aim at opposition seats to win supermajority
By Rupam Jain and Tora Agarwala
As the Hindu nationalist party targets 400 seats in India's lower house of parliament, it also hopes to wrest vital constituencies from the opposition.
Protesters link arms outside Hamilton Hall barricading students inside the building at Columbia University, despite an order to disband the protest encampment supporting Palestinians or face suspension, in New York on April 30.
WORLD
May 7, 2024
Columbia University cancels main graduation ceremony in wake of protests
By Julia Harte
The protests drew national attention, inspiringf similar demonstrations at dozens of universities around the country.
A cargo plane sits on a flooded runway at the airport in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on Monday.
WORLD
May 7, 2024
'Today, I saw death': Tales of horror as floods hit Brazil
By Mauricio RABUFFETTI
A woman in Brazil recounts the horrors of floodwater overwhelming her home as residents are left to rescue one another in the Rio Grande do Sul state.
Supporters of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the city of Ayodhya, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday.
WORLD / Politics
May 7, 2024
In election videos, India's BJP depicts opposition favoring Muslim minority
The videos reflect a shift in BJP campaign focus, accusing Congress of plans to redistribute Hindu wealth among "infiltrators" who have "more children."
Law enforcement officers walk along the Kremlin wall near Red Square in Moscow on Dec. 31.
WORLD / Politics
May 7, 2024
U.S. says soldier who went to Russia detained for ‘misconduct’
By Courtney McBride and Tony Capaccio
A U.S. soldier was detained in eastern Russia on "charges of criminal misconduct,” the U.S. Army said Monday, a potential new flashpoint in relations between the nations already at a low since Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

BUSINESS

JFE's net profit for the year ended March 31 came to ¥197.4 billion ($1.28 billion), just ahead of analysts' average forecast of ¥194.90 billion in an LSEG poll, thanks to higher steel margins.
BUSINESS / Companies
May 7, 2024
Japanese steelmaker JFE eyes overseas investments amid slower profit growth
By Yuka Obayashi and Katya Golubkova
The country's No. 2 steelmaker plans to ramp up overseas investments as part of a long-term drive to double profits.
Despite logging a record net profit in the year to March, helped by the weak yen, Nintendo expects net profit to drop nearly 40% in the current financial year.
BUSINESS / Companies
May 7, 2024
Nintendo says announcement on Switch successor 'this fiscal year'
Players and investors have been hungry for news about a successor to the Switch, and the company said a statement was finally forthcoming.
Stellantis premium brand Alfa Romeo reveals the Milano, its first fully electric car, during an event in Milan on April 10.
BUSINESS / Tech
May 7, 2024
EU election could force sharp turn in electric car policy
By Taimaz SZIRNIKS
Europe's right-wing parties have made cancelling the 2035 deadline to phase out sales of internal combustion engine cars a rallying cry.
Sony’s shares have dropped more than 5% this year, compared with a 16% gain in the Topix index, amid a global electronics slump.
BUSINESS / Companies
May 7, 2024
Sony shares fall as offer for Paramount spurs financing concerns
By Momoka Yokoyama
Investors are worried because the $26 billion proposal is larger than the Japanese electronics company's cash holdings.
Visitors in Macau on May 2. More than a year since China reopened its borders, some 63% of its residents say they’re ready to return to exploring the world, according to a survey published on April 24.
BUSINESS / Economy
May 7, 2024
China’s thrifty travelers show consumer confidence is weak
While more traveled over the five-day Labor Day break in comparison with 2019, each of them spent less on average.
Masato Kanda, vice minister of finance for international affairs, reiterated the currency authorities' readiness to step into the market for speculative-driven foreign exchange moves.
BUSINESS / Markets
May 7, 2024
Japan warns of action over rapid currency moves
By Satoshi Sugiyama
Comments by the government's top currency diplomat, Masato Kanda, reinforced Tokyo's readiness to intervene again to support a fragile yen.
Workers head to Daihatsu Motor's plant at its headquarters in Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture, on Tuesday.
BUSINESS
May 7, 2024
Daihatsu resumes production at all plants
All of Daihatsu's four finished vehicle assembly plants in Japan are back online for the first time in about four months.
Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel is set to open in June in the theme park's new section featuring areas based on "Frozen," "Tangled" and "Peter Pan."
BUSINESS
May 7, 2024
Tokyo DisneySea taps ‘Frozen’ and 'Peter Pan' in ¥320 billion expansion
By Adrian Wong
The expansion, which opens to the public June 6, is expected to help boost total annual sales by ¥75 billion.
Nomura Holdings is targeting 20% revenue gains for its global markets unit over the next few years.
BUSINESS / Companies
May 7, 2024
Nomura targets 20% revenue growth from global markets business
By Cathy Chan
The target builds on last year's 8% growth and follows a two-year revamp of trading teams for its rates and fixed-income business in Asia and EMEA.

Opinion

A Cambridge research fellow's dismissal is sparking outcry amid a freedom of speech debate about the university's diversity, equality and inclusion policies.
COMMENTARY
May 7, 2024
Will Cambridge support free speech?
By Peter Singer
Cambridge research fellow's dismissal sparks outcry amid a freedom of speech debate at the university and its diversity, equality and inclusion policies.
Economic security has evolved to include offensive measures, such as industrial policy. Countries like Japan are increasingly on-shoring strategic industries such as semiconductors, regardless of the cost.
COMMENTARY / Japan / Geoeconomic Briefing
May 7, 2024
The shift from economic security to geoeconomics
By Kazuto Suzuki
Economic security started out as a defensive concept, but it has now been weaponized to include an offensive element, morphing into a geoeconomic tool.
Despite Shinzo Abe's numerous achievements as prime minister, including job creation and efforts to promote workforce gender equality, recent controversies surrounding his tenure, including ties to controversial groups and scandals within his political faction, have tarnished his image.
COMMENTARY
May 7, 2024
The economic legacy of Japan's longest-serving prime minister
By Koichi Hamada
Under Abenomics and the BOJ's monetary policy, employment rose more than under any other Japanese government in the 21st century.
Beijing is quietly supporting the Kremlin’s war machine. For China, the longer the West stays distracted with the Ukraine war, the better.
COMMENTARY / World
May 7, 2024
The West is hastening its own decline
By Brahma Chellaney
Unless it changes course, the West is likely to lose its global supremacy, including its hold on the international financial architecture.
AI-powered disinformation campaigns particularly during elections can create varied and nuanced content, making detection more challenging.
COMMENTARY / World
May 7, 2024
If AI wrecks democracy, we may never know
By Parmy Olson
AI-powered disinformation campaigns can create varied and nuanced content, making detection more challenging.
The Hong Kong market's recent rally has been fueled by a reassessment of investment strategies, with previously favored markets such as Japan and Taiwan losing appeal. Bloomberg
COMMENTARY / World
May 7, 2024
What is behind the Hong Kong market’s fast and mysterious rally?
By Shuli Ren
The reallocating of investments toward Chinese assets is likely to continue, despite the historical volatility associated with the Chinese market.
Tourists pose in front of a convenience store with Mount Fuji on Friday in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture. Local residents are upset over littering, overcrowding and the inconvenience caused by the visitors.
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 7, 2024
Thanks, tourists. Views of Mount Fuji are now blocked.
By Gearoid Reidy
Japan needs better long-term strategies to manage tourism sustainably.

Sports

Inter Miami’s signing of Lionel Messi has served to highlight the demand for top talent among U.S. soccer fans, said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
SOCCER
May 7, 2024
MLS must attract best players to grow, says Infantino
Major League Soccer salary and roster restrictions mean that teams are unable to spend freely when it comes to signing top players.
Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto hrows in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix on Wednesday.
BASEBALL / MLB
May 7, 2024
Dodgers' Japanese stars aim to take down Marlins
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be on the mound to start against the Miami team for the first time in his career.
Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga pitches against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York on Wednesday.
BASEBALL / MLB
May 7, 2024
Shota Imanaga looks to continue stellar stretch as Cubs face Padres
Imanaga has sparkled for Chicago since the 30-year-old joined the Cubs after eight seasons in Japan's top league
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama during an NBA game against the Mavericks in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 25. Wembanyama has been named NBA Rookie of the Year.
BASKETBALL / NBA
May 7, 2024
Victor Wembanyama named NBA Rookie of the Year
Wembanyama was a unanimous selection, taking all 99 first-place votes.
Rafael Nadal takes part in a training session on Monday before the start of the Italian Open at the Foro Italico in Rome.
TENNIS
May 7, 2024
Nadal to make Rome return against qualifier
The 37-year-old last won in Rome in 2021 and dropped out last year with injury ahead of the tournament.
Naoya Inoue celebrates his victory over Luis Nery in their IBF-WBA-WBC-WBO super bantamweight title boxing match at Tokyo Dome on Monday.
MORE SPORTS / Boxing
May 7, 2024
After blockbuster boxing victory, what next for ‘Monster’ Inoue?
By Jason Coskrey
Some want the boxer to take on more fights outside of Japan.
MORE SPORTS / Weightlifting
May 7, 2024
Ukrainian two-time European champion weightlifter dies in war
Oleksandr Pielieshenko ranked fourth at the Rio 2016 Olympics in the men's 85 kg category.
The United Kingdom's Tom Daley takes part in an interview after winning the men's 10m platform final at the FINA Diving World Cup in Tokyo in May 2021.
OLYMPICS / Diving
May 7, 2024
British diver Daley to compete at record fifth Games
The 29-year-old is set to defend his gold medal in the men's 10m synchronized platform event.

LIFE

Enamored with Japanese cuisine, Xander Soren sought to create the perfect Pinot Noir to suit the country's most common flavors.
LIFE / Food & Drink / Kanpai Culture
May 7, 2024
A Californian Pinot Noir bred for the Japanese table
By Melinda Joe
In November, a former Apple employee launched Xander Soren Wines and its Pinot vintages exclusively in Japan.
Mikuni Minato is not a town that has recently fallen on hard times — it's been that way for a century.
LIFE / Travel
May 7, 2024
48 hours in Mikuni Minato, Japan’s port town that time forgot
By Owen Ziegler
A trip to Mikuni Minato may not appeal to the average tourist, but well-traveled residents will find it fascinating.

CULTURE

A screencap of a performance of Hiroto Nagai's “String Quartet No. 1 ‘Polar Energy Budget’” by the PRT Quartet
CULTURE / Music / OUR PLANET
May 7, 2024
How a Japanese scientist is turning the climate crisis into music
By Harvin Bhathal
Hiroto Nagai has sonified polar climate data, resulting in a string quartet piece that he thinks can get people to care more about what the data expresses.

COMMUNITY

For someone who grew up in a country with a system of street names, finding an address in Japan — or worse: trying to guide someone else to one — is no easy task at first.
COMMUNITY / Voices / FOREIGN AGENDA
May 7, 2024
Lost in translation? No, lost in Japan’s maze of streets.
By Jordan Allen
Anyone who experienced wayfinding in Japan before the age of map apps will remember how much sleuthing was required to get to your destination.
Japanese stripper bids to have her porn movies taken off internet
Plaintiff Miyuki Ariga (left) speaks at a news conference along with her lawyer, Yoshitomo Morohashi, after filing a lawsuit at the Tokyo District Court on Monday.
America wasn’t made for walking, and it’s killing them
A 2010 study found that U.S. adults averaged 5,117 steps daily and that this was lower than the averages found in similar studies in Switzerland, western Australia and Japan.
U.S. envoy to Japan makes landmark visit to front-line island near Taiwan
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel meets with members of the Self-Defense Forces stationed on Yonaguni, Okinawa Prefecture, on Friday.
Japan passes bill to introduce 'blue ticket' fines for cyclists
A new system under which bicycle riders pay fines for minor traffic violations to escape criminal punishment is expected to be introduced in Japan no later than 2026.
Japan survey finds 30% of student interns experience sexual harassment
The proportion of recent graduates in Japan who have worked as interns have experienced sexual harassment during their internship was 30.1%, according to a labor ministry survey, up 4.6 percentage points from the previous survey in fiscal 2020.
New Taiwan president to set tone for ties with China at inauguration
Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te arrives at the CyberSec 2024 Exhibition in Taipei on Wednesday.
Local theater in Japan is more than a hobby — it’s a community
Japan Times contributor Laura Pollacco (front right) was offered the role of one of her all-time favorite heroines, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennet, in the Tokyo International Players’ production of “Pride and Prejudice.”
Can AI-generated inventions be patented? A Tokyo court says no.
The Tokyo court's ruling comes amid ongoing debates on how to regulate generative AI and is part of a transnational class action lawsuit.
Massimo Bottura: 'The Japanese let ingredients express themselves'
Italian chef and restaurateur Massimo Bottura is increasingly focusing on passing on his knowledge to chefs such as Antonio Iacoviello.
Unraveling the Japanese prose of Yukio Mishima
Author Yukio Mishima accepts the Arts Festival Award in the drama category at the 20th Arts Festival Award Ceremony on Jan. 22, 1966.

Podcast

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.
[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Longform

Things may look perfect to the outside world, but today's mom is fine with some imperfection at home.
How 'Reiwa moms' are reshaping motherhood in Japan
By Mai Yoshikawa

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Live like a lord or lady for a night at Ozu Castle
Live like a lord or lady for a night at Ozu Castle

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