Tokyo, 13 December, /AJMEDIA/
G-7 vows to “intensify” pressure on Russia amid war on Ukraine
WASHINGTON – The leaders of the Group of Seven advanced economies on Monday vowed to “intensify” economic pressure on Russia amid its war on Ukraine and seek to provide Kyiv with much-needed air defense systems, while noting they see no evidence of Moscow committing to peace efforts.
In a statement issued after an online meeting, the G-7 members, which include the United States, Japan and the European Union, also said they are determined to help Ukraine repair and defend critical energy and water infrastructure harmed by Moscow’s attacks and aid the country in meeting its winter preparedness needs.
China’s “zero-COVID” policy effectively collapses with virus raging
BEIJING – China’s strict “zero-COVID” policy to stem coronavirus infections through lockdowns has effectively collapsed, with the epidemic apparently raging in major cities after the government significantly eased antivirus steps last week amid public frustration.
As frequent testing is no longer required, official infection numbers have been on the decline but long queues have continued to be formed at hospitals in Beijing treating patients with a high fever.
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Japan to boost defense spending to 6.5 tril. yen in FY 2023
TOKYO – Japan will likely boost its defense spending to around 6.5 trillion yen ($47 billion) in fiscal 2023 from the current 5.2 trillion yen, sources close to the matter said Monday, in a five-year effort to double the expenditure to better respond to the changing security environment surrounding the nation.
The government is seeking to spend a total of 43 trillion yen over the next five years until fiscal 2027, when it aims to increase the annual defense budget to around 9 trillion yen, or about a level equivalent to 2 percent of gross domestic product.
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China, U.S. officials agree to “properly handle” Taiwan issue
BEIJING – Senior Chinese and U.S. officials agreed on Monday that the two countries will “properly handle sensitive and important issues including the Taiwan question” following a bilateral summit meeting last month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng and Daniel Kritenbrink, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, reaffirmed in two-day talks through Monday in Hebei Province that the two countries will strengthen dialogue at all levels and cooperate in relevant fields, the Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press conference.
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Symbol meaning “war” picked as kanji of 2022 amid int’l conflicts
KYOTO – The kanji for “sen,” meaning war or battle, was picked as the single most representative Chinese character corresponding to the social mood in Japan this year, a Kyoto-based organization said Monday.
The selection for the 28th annual poll run by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, based on votes cast by the general public, came as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other international conflicts dominate headlines.
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Court rejects aid claims for Nagasaki A-bomb survivors’ children
NAGASAKI – A Japanese court rejected Monday a damages suit filed by the children of Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors seeking eligibility for financial support from the government.
The Nagasaki District Court ruled that the state not providing aid to so-called second-generation hibakusha, who were born to atomic bomb survivors, did not violate the constitutional guarantee of equality under the law.
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Japanese singer Ichiro Mizuki, “king of anime songs,” dies at 74
TOKYO – Ichiro Mizuki, a Japanese singer known for being the “king of anime songs,” died of lung cancer last Tuesday at a Tokyo hospital, his talent agency said. He was 74.
Mizuki, whose real name was Toshio Hayakawa, was famed for singing the theme song for the 1972 robot series “Mazinger Z” and Leiji Matsumoto’s space opera “Space Pirate Captain Harlock,” among many other hits.
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FEATURE: Cybersecurity startup founder reveals secrets of success
TOKYO – While Japan is considered a global laggard in the incubation of innovative startups, one Japanese entrepreneur is out to change that perception through the launch of a cybersecurity company born from his time studying abroad.
In 2012, Mitsuo Okada, 44, founded Capy Inc. and now serves as the firm’s chief executive officer. His experiences allow him to offer tips to other Japanese tech startups on how to succeed.
