Minoru Kihara

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southwestern Japan has killed 34 people, with rescuers searching collapsed structures like the Aeon Mall in Kashima and a factory in Yatsushiro. Over 79,000 homes lack water, 2,700 are without electricity, and thousands face heat-related risks amid summer temperatures exceeding 35°C.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southwestern Japan caused 34 confirmed deaths, injured over 80 people, and damaged infrastructure including a mall and factory. Rescue operations continued at the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, where seven were found dead and 11 rescued, and a factory in Yatsushiro, where nine were confirmed dead.

The death toll from a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southwestern Japan's Kyushu region rose to 34, with 7 confirmed dead and 11 rescued at the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, and 9 dead and 11 rescued at a factory in Yatsushiro. Over 9,000 people remain in shelters, and more than 3,500 homes lack electricity.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan, killing 23 people (with a higher police tally of 28) and injuring 63, causing widespread damage including collapsed structures and power outages. Rescue efforts continue as survivors face challenges like heat stroke risks and displacement in shelters or cars.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan, killing at least 13 people and causing infrastructure damage. Rescuers pulled eight survivors from a partially collapsed Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, where three died and four workers remain missing. Authorities investigate a possible gas explosion at the mall as part of recovery efforts involving over 4,500 soldiers.

The U.S. imposed new tariffs of 10-12.5% on 60 countries, citing failure to enforce bans on goods made with forced labor. Trading partners like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the European Union criticized the tariffs as unjustified and harmful to trade.

U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs on 60 countries over forced labor claims sparked objections from trading partners like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, who called the measures unjustified. The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 12.5%, replaced expired stopgap levies and face challenges from affected nations seeking their removal.

Japan expressed concern over a Chinese Luyang III-class destroyer's live-fire drills near Okinotori island, conducted during a joint exercise with Russia. The drills occurred within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting warnings about China-Russia military cooperation and potential safety threats to nearby vessels.

Japan has expressed concern over the United States' campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), highlighting a diplomatic challenge for Tokyo as it seeks to support the ICC without alienating its key security ally. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized Japan's commitment to combating serious crimes and upholding the rule of law.

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan's coast, causing mild shaking in Tokyo and northeastern regions. No tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. The government's emergency team is monitoring the situation, while railways in the area suspended operations for safety checks.

Japan reports China detained two of its citizens suspected of smuggling banned items, potentially linked to rare earths. Chinese authorities confirmed the detentions but provided no details, while Japanese officials emphasized privacy and ongoing investigations. The case adds to strained bilateral relations, which have been affected by previous disputes over exports and espionage charges.

China has detained two Japanese nationals over alleged attempts to smuggle rare earth-related products. One was detained on May 18, and the other a week later, accused of violating Chinese laws governing restricted goods. Tokyo confirmed the detentions but provided no further details, citing privacy.