Society

Japan, Britain sign post-Brexit trade deal

Oct 24 (NHK) - Tokyo and London have agreed the UK's first big post-Brexit trade deal as Britain pushes to keep its economy on track after leaving the European Union.

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and British Trade Secretary Elizabeth Truss signed the agreement in Tokyo on Friday.

It follows over four months of negotiations often carried out by video-conference due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu said " We intend to use this agreement as an important base to promote bilateral trade and investment between Japan and the UK, and to further strengthen and develop Japan's relationship with the UK as a strategic global partner."

British International Trade Secretary Elizabeth Truss said "How fitting it is to be in the land of the rising sun to welcome in the dawn of a new era of free trade. This is the first new free trade deal to be agreed since the UK once again became an independent trading nation."

The pact is similar to a Japan-EU trade deal that kicked in last year. Both remove tariffs on Japanese cars by 2026.

Japan's government expects to get early approval from the Diet so its UK deal can start from January 1.

Britain is due finish its transition from the EU at the end of this year.

Source: ANNnewsCH

78 Hours After Road Collapse, Bleak Weather Hampers Rescuers

A road collapse in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, has entered its 78th hour, with rescue crews battling persistent water inflows. Snow and rain expected on Sunday could further complicate efforts.

Tourists Flock to Hokkaido for Lunar New Year

Hokkaido is taking steps to address overtourism issues as large numbers of foreign visitors arrive during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Mahoroba Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ship Debuts, Connecting Central Osaka and Expo Site in 60 Minutes

The hydrogen fuel cell ship "Mahoroba," designed to connect central Osaka with the Expo venue in Yumeshima in approximately 60 minutes, was unveiled to the media ahead of its commercial launch during the Expo period.

Japanese Clinics Gaining Popularity Among Travelers

From sudden severe pain during a gourmet-filled trip to chronic illness attacks that medication cannot treat, what kinds of symptoms bring foreign tourists to clinics?

Public Smoking Ban Across Osaka, Violators Fined 1,000 Yen

Starting January 27, Osaka City has implemented a citywide ban on smoking in public areas, including heated tobacco products, as part of preparations for the Osaka-Kansai Expo set to open in April.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces Set for UNESCO Nomination as Cultural Heritage

The Japanese government is set to nominate the "Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces" in Nara Prefecture for UNESCO World Heritage status, aiming for registration next summer.

Death Sentence Finalized for Kyoto Animation Arsonist Who Killed 36

Shinji Aoba, the defendant sentenced to death in the first trial for the Kyoto Animation arson-murder case that claimed 36 lives, has withdrawn his appeal, finalizing the death sentence.

'Great Cold Endurance Competition' Held at Mount Tsurumi

The annual 'Midwinter Endurance Tournament' was held at Tsurumi Mountain, standing 1,300 meters above sea level in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.

Man Confesses: Gifu Stabbing Was Self-Harm, Not a Crime

Gifu Police have announced that what was initially reported as a stabbing incident in Gifu City was, in fact, an act of self-harm by the victim.

Man Admits to Dismembering Partner's Body With Farm Tools

Tokyo police are investigating a shocking case involving the disposal of a woman’s remains on the shores of Izu Oshima. The arrested suspect, 45-year-old Sōtatsu Yanase, who operates a tatami shop, has admitted to dismembering the body of his partner, Shizuka Takase, 37, using farm tools before disposing of her bones on the beach.