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Jordanian Ambassador Meets Japan's State Minister to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Jordanian Ambassador Meets Japan's State Minister to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

On November 13, Nasser Shraideh, the Ambassador of Jordan, held a meeting with Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, NAKASONE Yasutaka, in Tokyo. During their discussion, Minister Nakasone expressed Japan's commitment to enhancing the 'Strategic Partnership' between the two nations across various sectors, including economic cooperation and security. Minister Nakasone also extended condolences for the victims of the October 23 shooting in Karak Governorate and wished a swift recovery to those injured. He reiterated Japan's ongoing support, including financial aid, to Jordan, acknowledging its crucial role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Ambassador Shraideh, in turn, conveyed gratitude for Japan's consistent support and affirmed Jordan's desire to deepen bilateral relations in economic and security spheres. Both officials exchanged perspectives on the current situation in the Middle East and agreed to continue collaborative efforts to advance their strategic partnership.

Striped socks keep FamilyMart a step ahead in Japan's convenience store wars

Striped socks keep FamilyMart a step ahead in Japan's convenience store wars

By Mariko Katsumura and Yusuke Ogawa TOKYO, Nov 13 (Reuters) - For some people, the blue, green and white striped socks hanging near the entrance of a FamilyMart convenience store may look more like an emergency purchase than a fashion statement.

Exclusive-Japan warns arms suppliers of deep cuts to expected orders due to budget squeeze, sources say

Exclusive-Japan warns arms suppliers of deep cuts to expected orders due to budget squeeze, sources say

By Nobuhiro Kubo and Tamiyuki Kihara TOKYO, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Japanese officials have warned defence contractors of deep cuts to expected orders as fiscal constraints threaten to scale back a military buildup that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government says is needed to counter China, four

Japan's Intellectual Property Landscape Reshaped by 2026 Promotion Plan and Judicial Symposium

Japan's Intellectual Property Landscape Reshaped by 2026 Promotion Plan and Judicial Symposium

Japan's Intellectual Property Landscape Reshaped by 2026 Promotion Plan and Judicial Symposium

One Young World Summit 2027 to be Hosted in Tokyo, Japan

One Young World Summit 2027 to be Hosted in Tokyo, Japan

The One Young World Summit 2027 is scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 28 to October 1, 2027, at the Tokyo International Forum. This marks the summit's return to Asia for the first time since 2015. The event aims to bring together young leaders aged 18-35 from around the world to collaborate, share ideas, and drive positive change. Tokyo, described as a city where tradition meets innovation, is highlighted as an ideal setting for next-generation leaders to address global challenges. The summit will focus on celebrating young leaders who are shaping the future through collaboration, creativity, and bold action, building on Japan's demonstrated commitment to connection, purpose, and harmony.

Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Strikes Central Japan, Injuring Dozens and Disrupting Services

Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Strikes Central Japan, Injuring Dozens and Disrupting Services

A powerful 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Japan early Sunday, causing injuries to dozens of individuals, shattering windows, and disrupting train services. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the quake occurred at 1:04 am (1604 GMT Saturday) in Shizuoka Prefecture, located west of Tokyo. No tsunami warning was issued following the seismic event. While no fatalities were reported, the earthquake led to significant damage, including shattered storefront windows and items falling from shelves. Emergency officials in Aichi Prefecture confirmed 16 reports of mostly minor injuries, and authorities in Shizuoka noted at least three women sought medical care, including a nonagenarian who injured her shoulder after falling from her bed. Local media, including the Chunichi Shimbun newspaper and Tokai Television, indicated that at least 24 people were injured across the two regions. The quake also caused temporary delays and suspensions of regional train services, including the Shinkansen bullet tra...

Scientists Discover Renewed Stress on Japan's Major Earthquake Fault, Raising Pacific Tsunami Concerns

Scientists Discover Renewed Stress on Japan's Major Earthquake Fault, Raising Pacific Tsunami Concerns

Scientists have identified renewed stress on the underwater fault responsible for Japan's devastating 2011 earthquake, according to research led by Fumiaki Tomita of Tohoku University and published in the journal Science on November 5, 2026. The fault beneath the Japan Trench has returned to a 'locked' state, meaning the Pacific and continental plates are once again becoming stuck as they move against each other. This process allows pressure to accumulate beneath the ocean floor, potentially setting the stage for another powerful seismic event. The analysis, based on 14 years of ocean floor measurements combined with land observations, recurring earthquake data, and computer models, revealed that the slow movement along the fault after the 2011 earthquake had nearly ceased after approximately a decade. Consequently, the boundary between the plates has recovered a level of locking similar to that recorded before the 2011 disaster, which caused a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and a devastating tsunami.

Japanese Middle Schoolers Show Increased Skepticism Towards Immigration Benefits

Japanese Middle Schoolers Show Increased Skepticism Towards Immigration Benefits

A recent survey conducted by University of Tokyo sociology professor Norihiro Nihei among middle school students in Tokyo and surrounding areas indicates a significant rise in skepticism regarding the benefits of increased immigration in Japan. The survey, which collected data in 2025, found that 41.5 percent of respondents disagreed with the statement that an increase in foreign residents would bring many benefits to society. This figure represents a near doubling from the 2023 survey, where 22.26 percent expressed similar sentiments. While the study notes an increase in attitudes related to authoritarianism, patriotism, and rule strictness, it also highlights that a majority (58.5 percent) still believe increased immigration would be beneficial. The shift is not seen as an overall move towards right-wing attitudes but rather a complex change in perception, potentially influenced by recent high-profile crimes involving foreign perpetrators and economic concerns.

Japan and Vietnam Partner on Critical Minerals to Reduce Reliance on China

Japan and Vietnam Partner on Critical Minerals to Reduce Reliance on China

Japan and Vietnam Partner on Critical Minerals to Reduce Reliance on China

Philippines Issued Red Alert for Tropical Cyclone CHAMPI-26 with Extreme Wind Speeds

Philippines Issued Red Alert for Tropical Cyclone CHAMPI-26 with Extreme Wind Speeds

The Philippines was under a Red alert from October 14 to October 25, 2026, due to Tropical Cyclone CHAMPI-26, as reported by the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS). The cyclone recorded extreme wind speeds of 296.294 km/h during episode 46 of the event. GDACS also indicated that China, Guam, Japan, and the Republic of Korea were affected by the same tropical cyclone during this period. The alert level was classified as RED, signifying a high level of concern due to the severity of the weather event. This information was detected on November 11, 2026, following the cyclone's impact. The event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change and phenomena like El Niño, which pose significant threats to vulnerable regions.

Japan wholesale inflation accelerates, keeps alive rate hike view

Japan wholesale inflation accelerates, keeps alive rate hike view

By Leika Kihara TOKYO, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Japan's annual wholesale inflation re-accelerated in October as the Middle East conflict and AI-related demand kept pushing up prices for fuel and semiconductor chips, data showed, keeping alive market expectations of a near-term interest rate hike.

Prime Minister Takaichi Calls for Summit with North Korea to Resolve Abductee Issue

Prime Minister Takaichi Calls for Summit with North Korea to Resolve Abductee Issue

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended a rally in Tokyo on November 8, advocating for the return of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea. She expressed her willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to build a constructive relationship and achieve tangible results, a stance she has maintained since taking office. Despite her efforts, nearly a year into her premiership, no abductees have been returned. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara highlighted the role of the National Intelligence Bureau, established in July, in enhancing intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination to resolve the issue. The rally underscored the urgency of the situation, particularly as the 50th anniversary of Megumi Yokota's abduction approaches next year, and her 90-year-old mother, Sakie Yokota, remains the last surviving parent among the abductees' families.