Sanae Takaichi

Japan reported record exports and imports in July, though its trade deficit totaled 634.5 billion yen for the third straight month. While strong auto and semiconductor exports boosted revenue, soaring energy costs due to the war in Iran and a weak yen extended the deficit.

Russia summoned the Japanese ambassador to protest Tokyo's condemnation of President Vladimir Putin's visit to Kuril Islands. Japan strongly protested, stating that the archipelago, which it calls the Northern Territories, is its inherent territory by international law. In response, Russia lodged a formal protest, reaffirming its sovereignty over the southern Kurils and warning that countermeasures would be taken given Tokyo's adherence to Western sanctions.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi avoided the controversial Yasukuni Shrine during the 81st anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender, leading to protest from China and South Korea. Officials from various Japanese groups visited the shrine despite warnings about covering up war crimes. Amid mounting tensions, Chinese officials urged Japan to undergo serious soul searching regarding history.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi avoided the controversial Yasukuni Shrine during the 81st anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender, reportedly to prioritize diplomatic relations with China and South Korea. However, she did not mention or express remorse for Japan’s wartime past in her address. The subsequent shrine visits by other Japanese officials led to protests from China, who accused them of attempting to cover up war crimes.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi skipped a visit to Yasukuni Shrine while marking the 81st anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender; in her address, she emphasized global peace without mentioning Japanese atrocities or offering an apology. China protested these visits, claiming they were attempts to cover up war crimes and accelerate militarization. Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation between Korea and Japan.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stayed away from Yasukuni Shrine on the 81st anniversary of World War II surrender, addressing that Japan contributes to global peace while avoiding discussion of wartime atrocities. She mourned victims in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa, and those who perished overseas. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and executives from Takaichi's governing party visited the controversial shrine earlier on.

Despite support from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government for an interest-rate hike, the yen remains close to a crucial level against the dollar.

Crown Prince Akishino stated he has “mixed feelings” regarding the government's revision to the Imperial House Law, which requires male-only succession. The law was revised by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government and is criticized as anachronistic and sexist for pushing aside Emperor Naruhito’s daughter, Princess Aiko. Critics view these revisions as attempting to justify discrimination against women through a patriarchal system.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government supports a near-term rate hike by the Bank of Japan, with the next move potentially occurring in September or October. This discussion follows reports that the yen has edged closer to the 160-per-dollar level. Mahjabeen Zaman spoke to Abeer Abu Omar about efforts aimed at shoring up the currency.

On the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, mayor Shiro Suzuki denounced nuclear weapons as 'absolute evil,' warning that relying on nuclear deterrence increases the risk of war and urging the Japanese government to adhere to its non-nuclear principles. This criticism occurred as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government revised defense policy to bolster offensive capability, leading to speculation about bringing nuclear weapons into the country. Suzuki also demanded Japan uphold its war-renouncing Constitution and attend the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons review conference.

Japan’s immigration agency proposed stricter income and pension requirements for permanent residency, aligning with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s initiative to foster an 'orderly society' while addressing illegal activities. The new guidelines aim to ensure applicants meet household income averages and pension thresholds.

Japan emphasizes the need to adopt combat drones and artificial intelligence for modern warfare, citing regional tensions with China. The government prioritizes developing coastal defense drones alongside long-range missiles, with companies like Toshiba and Pro Drone collaborating on projects. The annual defense paper identifies China as Japan’s main strategic challenge due to increased Chinese military activity in the Pacific.

Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, visited Kumamoto prefecture following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that killed 38 people, including one who died of heatstroke while sheltering in a car. Recovery efforts are hindered by high temperatures and limited water supplies.

The U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese yen after officials confirmed joint market intervention by the U.S. and Japan. President Trump and Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama acknowledged coordinated efforts to stabilize the yen, which has been weakened by high U.S. interest rates and rising global oil prices.

The U.S. dollar weakened sharply against the Japanese yen after confirmed market interventions by the U.S. and Japan. The dollar fell from above 163 yen to nearly 155.20 yen following coordinated actions, with U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama acknowledging the intervention to stabilize the yen.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that killed 38 people. The cleanup faced challenges due to intense heat, with over 46,000 households without water and temporary housing construction underway.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake caused 38 deaths and widespread damage. Residents face challenges including water shortages and extreme heat, with over 46,000 households without water and 8,500 people in emergency shelters. A mall explosion linked to a gas leak killed two employees, and criticism arose over the prime minister's visit to a well-equipped shelter.

The US and Japanese governments coordinated to stabilize the yen after it plummeted, citing concerns over undervaluation and Japan's expansionary fiscal policy under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The intervention aimed to prevent wider economic destabilization and rising US bond yields, mirroring similar actions taken for Argentina’s peso last fall.

An elderly woman in her 70s with apparent heat stroke was found dead in a car in Kumamoto, Japan, raising the earthquake death toll to 36. The region faces extreme heat and challenges including fuel shortages, water scarcity, and overcrowded evacuation shelters.

Japan ended a dayslong search-and-rescue operation at the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake killed 34 people. The mall's collapse, caused by a gas leak explosion, trapped employees, with five rescued and seven bodies recovered. Rescue efforts concluded as all missing were accounted for, but challenges like water shortages and extreme heat persist.

Japan ended a multi-day search-and-rescue operation at a collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, Kumamoto Prefecture, after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake killed 34 people. Five were rescued and seven bodies recovered over five days, with officials confirming all missing individuals accounted for. The mall collapse followed an explosion likely caused by a gas leak, and ongoing challenges include water shortages, heatwaves, and damaged infrastructure.

Japanese authorities ended a five-day search-and-rescue operation at the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima, Kumamoto, following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that killed 34 people. The mall's second floor collapsed due to an explosion from a suspected gas leak, resulting in five survivors rescued and seven bodies recovered. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged teams to 'not leave anyone behind' as challenges like water shortages and extreme heat impacted over 70,000 homes.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southwestern Japan caused 34 deaths, damaged over 1,500 buildings, and left survivors without power or water, forcing some to sleep in cars. The historic Kinparo inn in Yatsushiro City was severely damaged, and local businesses face operational challenges due to resource shortages.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southwestern Japan has killed 34 people, damaged over 1,500 buildings, and left thousands without water or power. Survivors face sweltering heat, fuel shortages, and crowded shelters, with some sleeping in cars to avoid heat-related illnesses. The Japanese government and military are working to restore supplies, while industrial disruptions threaten semiconductor and auto-parts supply chains.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces challenges as nostalgia hinders her vision for Japan. Concerns about her ambitions and the US-Japan security alliance dominate elite discussions. She secured a large majority for her party in recent elections.

Japan has excluded women from imperial succession, citing a tradition described as partially invented. Sanae Takaichi is mentioned as the Japanese prime minister.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck a mall in southern Japan, followed by an explosion that caused partial collapse and casualties. The mall operator Aeon is investigating a possible gas leak, and rescue operations are underway with 170 soldiers deployed. The mall had recently reopened after being damaged in a 2016 earthquake and highlighted seismic safety improvements.

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.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, killed 13 people and left many missing, prompting rescue operations at damaged structures like Aeon Mall and Nippon Paper Industries' factory. Infrastructure disruptions include suspended bullet train services, power outages, and damaged Kumamoto Castle. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized urgent rescue efforts amid a heat wave.

The death toll from a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto area has risen to 13 after the newly reopened Aeon Mall collapsed. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the fatalities and emphasized ongoing rescue efforts for the missing.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan, killing 13 people and trapping seven others. Rescue operations are ongoing at damaged structures like the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town and the Nippon Paper Industries Co. factory, with the Japan Self Defense Forces assisting. The quake caused infrastructure damage, including a derailed train and damage to Kumamoto Castle, and injured over 90 people.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto, Japan, killing 13 people and damaging structures like the Aeon Mall and Yatsuhiro Shrine. Rescue operations continue for the missing, with Japan's Self Defense Forces assisting in recovery efforts. The quake also caused a train derailment and damage to Kumamoto Castle, which was previously affected by a 2016 earthquake.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in southwestern Japan has risen to 13, with rescuers continuing to search for missing individuals. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the fatalities.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto, Kyushu, causing building collapses, injuries, and infrastructure damage. Rescue operations are underway, with reports of a mall collapse, derailed trains, and fires. No tsunami warning was issued, and the Japanese government has activated a task force to assess damage and coordinate response efforts.

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Kumamoto on Japan's Kyushu island, causing injuries, infrastructure damage, and a temporary tsunami advisory. The government launched a task force to assess damage and coordinate rescue efforts, with reports of fires, road closures, and a derailed train. No major nuclear facility damage was reported.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan, causing injuries, damage to infrastructure, and a temporarily issued tsunami advisory that was later lifted. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed no tsunami was observed, and the U.S. Geological Survey revised the quake’s magnitude to 6.8. Government officials reported injuries, road and building damage, and ongoing assessments of the situation.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, causing injuries, building collapses, power outages, and triggering tsunami warnings. Companies like Sony and TSMC operate in the region, while the Japanese government issued emergency warnings for multiple southern prefectures.

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto on Japan’s Kyushu island, prompting a tsunami advisory for Ariake Bay. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged coastal avoidance and confirmed a government task force was assessing damage, while no major infrastructure or nuclear facility abnormalities were reported.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi claimed he had a brief discussion with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during last week's ASEAN meeting in the Philippines, but China's Foreign Ministry denied any meeting occurred. The dispute reflects deteriorating ties since November, when Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan angered China, leading to economic and military tensions.

China and Japan disagree over whether their foreign ministers met during an ASEAN meeting, with Japan's Motegi claiming a brief exchange while China's Foreign Ministry denies it. Tensions stem from a November comment by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan, which China views as a red line, leading to strained diplomatic and economic relations.