Latest Japan government News
Japan's denial of same-sex marriage, other LGTBQ+ protections looks unconstitutional, judge rules
TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese court ruled Thursday that the lack of legal protections for LGTBQ+ people appeared to be unconstitutional, in the latest ruling that may help push the country toward allowing same-sex marriage. Japan is the only member of the Group of Seven nations without...
Japan supports Sweden's NATO membership as defense ministers strengthen ties
TOKYO (AP) — Japan's defense minister expressed his country's support for Sweden's NATO membership during talks Wednesday with his Swedish counterpart, as the two sides called for stronger military ties amid shared concern over threats from Russia and China. Swedish Defense...
China trade tumbles in May, adding to signs economic recovery is slowing
BEIJING (AP) — China’s exports fell 7.5% from a year earlier in May and imports were down 4.5%, adding to signs an economic rebound following the end of anti-virus controls is slowing as global demand weakens under pressure from higher interest rates. Exports slid to $283.5...
Japan, Australia, US to fund undersea cable connection in Micronesia to counter China's influence
TOKYO (AP) — Japan announced Tuesday that it joined the United States and Australia in signing an agreement on a $95 million undersea cable project that will connect East Micronesia island nations to improve networks in the Indo-Pacific region where China is increasingly expanding its influence. ...
Japan earmarks $107 billion for developing hydrogen energy to cut emissions, stabilize supplies
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s government on Tuesday adopted a revision to the country’s plans to use more hydrogen as fuel as part of the effort to reduce carbon emissions. The plan sets an ambitious target to increase the annual supply by six times from the current level to 12 million...
Stock market today: Asian stocks rise after Wall St retreats on concern economy weakening
BEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets rose Tuesday after Wall Street fell on concern the U.S. economy may be weakening following a report that showed growth in service industries slowing. Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong rose. Sydney retreated. Oil prices declined. Wall...
Australian PM Albanese stresses need for diplomacy, guardrails in dealing with China
SINGAPORE (AP) — As tensions grow between the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a gathering of top defense officials Friday that open channels of communication are critical for preserving peace, while also advocating effective deterrence....
Japan birth rate hits record low amid concerns over shrinking and aging population
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s birth rate declined for a seventh consecutive year in 2022 to a record low of 1.26, the Health Ministry said Friday, adding to a sense of urgency in a country where the government is seen as too slow to take measures to address its rapidly shrinking and aging population. ...
US defense chief calls China's refusal to meet unfortunate during visit to Tokyo for talks
TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed the importance of communication during a stopover Thursday in Tokyo, calling it unfortunate that his Chinese counterpart is refusing to meet him at an upcoming annual security conference in Singapore, which both men are attending. ...
Toyota debuts hydrogen-fueled Corolla race car as auto racing begins shift away from gas guzzlers
OYAMA, Japan (AP) — In a sprawling circuit near Mount Fuji, a humble Corolla running on liquid hydrogen has made its racing debut, part of a move to bring the futuristic technology into the racing world and to demonstrate Toyota’s resolve to develop green vehicles. Toyota...
