Latest News

20 Agosto 2026

Facial Recognition Technology Coming into Wider Use in Japan

Tokyo, Aug. 20 (Jiji Press)–Services using facial recognition technology are expanding in Japan, allowing, for example, touchless or ticketless entry through train station gates and payments at shops without the need to take out a wallet or a credit card. Expectations are
20 Agosto 2026

Japan’s Trade Deficit Quadruples in July

Tokyo, Aug. 20 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s trade deficit quadrupled in July from a year before as the country boosted oil imports from the United States to diversify its energy supply away from the Middle East, the Finance Ministry said Thursday. The country posted
20 Agosto 2026

Ex-Japan Opposition Lawmakers to Form Pro-Constitution Group

Tokyo, Aug. 20 (Jiji Press)–Three former Japanese lawmakers on the opposition side are planning to form a new political organization soon to bring together liberal forces and protect Japan’s pacifist Constitution. Of them, Hiroshi Kawauchi and Tomoko Abe will become co-leaders of
20 Agosto 2026

U.S. Wants Allies to End ICC Aid

Washington, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–A U.S. Department of State spokesperson Wednesday voiced hopes that Japan and other allies will terminate their support for the International Criminal Court. “We expect our allies to end their support for the ICC, which represents a threat
20 Agosto 2026

Dollar Falls below 158.50 Yen in Tokyo Morning

Tokyo, Aug. 20 (Jiji Press)–The dollar fell below 158.50 yen in Tokyo foreign exchange trading Thursday morning, reflecting a drop in U.S. long-term interest rates. At 10 a.m., the dollar stood at 158.39-41 yen, down from 159.16-17 yen at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
20 Agosto 2026

U.N. Chief “Seriously Concerned” over U.S. Sanctions on ICC Head

New York, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “seriously concerned” about U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday. The United Nations regards The Hague-based court as “a key pillar of international criminal
20 Agosto 2026

Teacher Teams Rally to Reopen Quake-Hit Kumamoto Schools

Uki, Kumamoto Pref., Aug. 20 (Jiji Press)–Teams of teachers mobilized from across Japan are supporting schools in the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto, which was hit by a powerful earthquake last month, before they reopen after the summer break. Drawing on their past
20 Agosto 2026

Japanese Brokers Hold Financial Education Events for Kids

Tokyo, Aug. 20 (Jiji Press)–Major Japanese securities companies are providing elementary school students with opportunities to learn about the economy and financial systems during the summer holiday period. At an event held by SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. at its branch in Tokyo’s
20 Agosto 2026

Japanese Brokers Hold Financial Education Events for Kids

Tokyo, Aug. 20 (Jiji Press)–Major Japanese securities companies are providing elementary school students with opportunities to learn about the economy and financial systems during the summer holiday period. At an event held by SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. at its branch in Tokyo’s
19 Agosto 2026

Japan, Saudi Arabia Vow to Ensure Safe Hormuz Passage

Tokyo, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, on Wednesday agreed on the importance of ensuring free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without additional costs. In their strategic
19 Agosto 2026

Colombia: earthquake, death toll rises to 312

(Adnkronos) – The official death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10 has risen to 312 dead and 4,380 injured. 290 people are still missing, according to updated data released by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management
19 Agosto 2026

Japan Crown Prince, Crown Princess Arrive in Paraguay

Tokyo, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko arrived in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, on Wednesday morning for an official visit to the South American country. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are slated to attend
19 Agosto 2026

Imperial Family Members to Visit Aichi for Asian Games

Tokyo, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko will visit the central Japan prefecture of Aichi for two days from Sept. 19 to attend events related to the Asian Games, the Imperial Household Agency
19 Agosto 2026

Japan, Turkey Leaders Agree to Oppose Hormuz Passage Fees

Tokyo, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed Wednesday that it is important to ensure free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transport waterway, without additional costs, such as
19 Agosto 2026

ICC Slams U.S. Sanctions on Pres. Akane

Brussels, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–The International Criminal Court on Wednesday slammed the United States’ sanctions against its officials including its President Tomoko Akane of Japan. The sanctions are “a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution,” the ICC said
19 Agosto 2026

Japan Voices Regret over U.S. Sanctions on ICC Chief

Tokyo, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government Wednesday expressed regret over a decision by the United States to impose sanctions against International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan. The U.S. sanctions against Akane are “deeply regrettable,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told
19 Agosto 2026

Mo: Idf, 2 more underground tunnels sealed in Gaza Strip

(Adnkronos) – Idf troops have sealed two more underground tunnels belonging to Hamas, with a total length of over two kilometers, as part of efforts to neutralize the terrorist organizations’ tunnel network in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army announced this on
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