Tokyo, April 29 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s nonpartisan National Council on Social Security is discussing challenges over a planned consumption tax cut for food items, including when to introduce the step. Although Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to implement a two-year food tax rate

Tokyo, April 29 (Jiji Press)–Over 70 pct of health insurance societies joined by employees of large Japanese companies and their families are projected to log deficits in fiscal 2026, the National Federation of Health Insurance Societies has said. The combined balance at

(Adnkronos) – Japanese-made skis dominated the freestyle Moguls competitions at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February. All 12 medalists in the men’s and women’s mogul and dual mogul competitions – Jiji Press writes – used “ID one” skis, produced by Material Sports

(Adnkronos) – The alliance between the former rivals and former allies of the Jnim al-Qaeda members and the Tuareg independentists of the Azawad Liberation Front is advancing in northern Mali as part of the coordinated attack launched on Saturday against Bamako, the

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–A crude oil tanker owned by Idemitsu Tanker Co., a subsidiary of major Japanese oil wholesaler Idemitsu Kosan Co., is passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to global ship-tracking website MarineTraffic. As of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday Japan

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Idemitsu Kosan Co. is set to provide about 4 million barrels of crude oil to Vietnam, it was learned Tuesday. The crude oil, procured from the Middle East and transported on a route not using the Strait

(Adnkronos) –  

(Adnkronos) – The crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway’s closure is harming global agrifood systems by disrupting food imports, driving up energy, food and fertiliser prices, cutting farmers’ profits and potential crop yields as well as remittances sent back to family in Africa

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during her upcoming five-day trip to Vietnam and Australia, hopes to further boost cooperation with the two nations in the security and economic security fields amid China’s growing military and economic coercion. During

(Adnkronos) – At least five people were injured by the man who shot today in Athens at the headquarters of the National Social Security Fund and on the first floor of the Court of Appeal. The Greek broadcaster Skai reports, specifying that

(Adnkronos) – Former French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has announced he is ”ready” to run in the presidential elections to be held in 2027. Interviewed by Le Figaro, Cazeneuve said ”I am ready to run” because ”if I can make a contribution,

(Adnkronos) – Madagascar announced today that it has expelled a French diplomat, the day after the ambassador was summoned, for alleged involvement in destabilizing activities. This was announced by the Malagasy Foreign Ministry, according to which Ambassador Arnaud Guillois was informed of

(Adnkronos) – For the first time since the start of the crisis in the Middle East, a supertanker linked to Japan has crossed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy hubs. The vessel, identified as the Idemitsu Maru,

(Adnkronos) – Twenty years after Darfur captured global attention due to the violence that devastated communities and displaced millions in Sudan, the region’s children are once again trapped in a catastrophic crisis, but with less international attention and aid. This was warned

(Adnkronos) – “I don’t understand why people are surprised that the United States is torn apart: I’m pretty sure this is the result of having a traitor at the helm.” This is what a Bluesky user, a social platform popular among the

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–A Japanese suprapartisan national council Tuesday discussed points of contention regarding a proposal to temporarily exempt food items from the consumption tax. Working-level members agreed that the panel will study concrete measures from May to resolve issues raised

(Adnkronos) – Slovakia has confirmed that it has initiated proceedings at the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg against the ban on importing Russian gas, which is expected to come into force next year throughout the Union. The Kyiv Independent reports this.

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–The Bank of Japan decided Tuesday to keep its monetary policy unchanged, against the background of the Iran conflict. At a two-day meeting that ended the same day, the BOJ’s Policy Board voted six to three to maintain

New York, April 27 (Jiji Press)–An exhibition on the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki started Monday at the lobby of the United Nations’ headquarters in New York, coinciding with a review conference for the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. The exhibition, organized

(Adnkronos) – Italy’s government has congratulated Shia bloc candidate and businessman Ali al-Zaydi on his nomination by Iraq’s president as premier-designate tasked with forming a new government instead of a pro-Iranian rival, breaking a months-long deadlock.   “@ItalyinIraq extends its warmest congratulations

(Adnkronos) – Directors, officials, curators, restorers, librarians and archivists from 12 African countries are receiving advanced professional training in Italy through 22 May under a Cultural Heritage programme within the framework of the government’s 5.5 billion euro Mattei Plan to boost Africa’s

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–Oriental Land Co., the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, said Tuesday its group sales in the year that ended in March rose 3.7 pct from the previous year to a record 704.5 billion yen. The growth reflected the

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s government is considering creating programs teaching foreigners Japanese language, culture and social rules and making attendance in the programs a factor taken into account in residency screenings, Jiji Press learned Tuesday. The government plans to start the

(The third paragraph should have read, “…Naoki Tamura…,” instead of as sent. A substitute story follows.) (Update) BOJ Skips Rate Hike amid Middle East Tensions Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–The Bank of Japan decided Tuesday to keep its monetary policy unchanged while

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s National Institute of Technology and Evaluation has recommended replacing not only the lamp itself but also the entire lamp fixture when switching from fluorescent to light-emitting diode lighting. This comes in response to a rise in cases

Fukui, April 28 (Jiji Press)–A Japanese man acquitted in a retrial over the murder of a junior high school girl 40 years ago demanded on Tuesday about 40 million yen in state compensation for some eight years and nine months of unjust

(Adnkronos) – 14 people have lost their lives due to a collision between two passenger trains that occurred overnight near Jakarta, Indonesia. This was announced by the state railway company Kai. “Based on the latest data, 14 deaths have been confirmed,” reads

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill to raise the ceiling on fees for immigration procedures, making it likely to be enacted during the current parliamentary session ending in July. The amendment to the immigration control

(Adnkronos) – Latin America is a vast market that Italian companies must tap into as the landmark European Union-Mercosur free trade agreement enters in force this week and the future now lies in joint ventures, according to Giorgio Silli, head of the

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–Oriental Land Co., the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, said Tuesday its group sales in the year that ended in March rose 3.7 pct from the previous year to a record 704.5 billion yen. The growth reflected the