Latest Japan government News

S. Korean unification minister in Japan to discuss N. Korea

Mar. 23, 2023 06:09 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan and South Korea almost simultaneously dropped their export claims against each other on Thursday in the latest sign of improving ties. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced that effective Thursday the country would lift export controls of...

Ukraine: Russia hits apartments and dorm, killing civilians

Mar. 23, 2023 01:08 AM EDT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia stepped up its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine on Wednesday, killing students and other civilians, in a violent follow-up to dueling high-level diplomatic missions aimed at bringing peace after 13 months of war. “Russia is shelling the city...

Japan's Kishida pledges aid for Ukraine-backing Poland

Mar. 22, 2023 09:08 AM EDT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Japan's prime minister pledged Wednesday to provide Poland with development support to help the European country assist neighboring Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's invasion. Polish Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki hosted Japanese Prime...

LGBTQ activists in Japan launch engagement group ahead of G7

Mar. 22, 2023 07:36 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese LGBTQ activists and rights groups have launched a civil “engagement group” to make policy proposals ahead of the Group of Seven summit in Japan and announced plans to hold an inaugural Pride 7 summit in Tokyo later this month, seeking to accelerate their efforts to get...

Japan, China push opposing visions in top-level visits

Mar. 21, 2023 08:49 AM EDT

BANGKOK (AP) — Asia’s stake in Europe’s war was made crystal clear Tuesday when the leaders of the region's two richest countries sat in the capitals of Russia and Ukraine in strong shows of support for the opposing sides. With the world's eyes on Chinese President Xi Jinping's...

South Korea to restore Japan's trade status to improve ties

Mar. 21, 2023 03:26 AM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday his government will move to restore Japan’s preferential trade status as he pushes to resolve history and trade disputes with Japan despite domestic opposition. In lengthy, televised comments during a...

Japan's Kishida heading to Ukraine for talks with Zelenskyy

Mar. 20, 2023 23:57 PM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was heading to Kyiv early Tuesday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that coincide with the Chinese leader's visit to Moscow. Kishida will “show respect to the courage and patience of the Ukrainian people who...

Japan PM Kishida announces new Indo-Pacific plan in India

Mar. 20, 2023 21:06 PM EDT

NEW DELHI (AP) — Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for the Group of Seven summit in May and announced action plans for a new Indo-Pacific initiative aimed at countering China's influence in the region. Kishida, who is on a...

North Korea: Latest missile simulated nuclear counterattack

Mar. 19, 2023 23:18 PM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Monday it simulated a nuclear attack on South Korea with a ballistic missile launch over the weekend that was its fifth missile demonstration this month to protest the largest joint military exercises in years between the U.S. and South Korea. ...

North Korea launches missile into sea amid US-SKorea drills

Mar. 19, 2023 18:52 PM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the sea on Sunday, its neighbors said, ramping up testing activities in response to ongoing U.S.-South Korean military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal. The North’s continuing...