Iran’s foreign minister in first high-level visit to Japan since 2019

Aug 07, 2023 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Iran’s foreign minister has met with top officials in Japan in the first such high-level visit in more than three years.

Hossein Amirabdollahian sat down with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Monday after holding meetings with his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Katsunobu Kato.

The last time a top Iranian diplomat visited Japan was in December 2019, one year after the United States unilaterally withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal and reinstated wide-ranging sanctions on Iran.

Japan raised the issue of Iran’s alleged provision of armed drones to Russian forces fighting in Ukraine, but Amirabdollahian reiterated Iranian denials that it was supplying Russia.

Japan, which holds this year’s presidency of the Group of Seven nations, has been maintaining economic sanctions on Russia over the war as part of the G7.

Iran has been heavily criticised and targeted by sanctions by the US, European Union and United Kingdom for providing drones to Russia. ...continue reading

Toyota to Launch Self-Driving Taxis in 2027

Toyota Motor will begin operating fully autonomous taxis in 2027 through a partnership with U.S. self-driving technology company Waymo, marking a major step in the Japanese automaker's efforts to expand driverless transportation services.

Mount Fuji Puts on First Snowcap

Mount Fuji has received its first snowcap of the season, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced on October 30, after temperatures at the summit plunged to minus 9.4 degrees Celsius, marking the arrival of winter conditions on Japan's highest mountain.

Chinese Female Spy Suspected of Targeting Nvidia Chief

U.S. intelligence agencies suspect that a Chinese female intelligence operative developed a close relationship with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in an attempt to obtain confidential corporate and U.S. government information, according to a report published by The New York Times on October 29th.

Japan Blocks Websites Leaking GMO Personal Data

The Japanese government has asked major telecommunications operators to forcibly block access to websites believed to contain personal information stolen in a cyberattack on GMO, it emerged on October 29th, as authorities moved to prevent further exposure of sensitive data online.

Typhoon No. 31 Heads Toward Japan's Remote Islands

Typhoon No. 31 was located near Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean, as of 3 a.m. on October 30, and was expected to approach the Ogasawara Islands south of Tokyo over the October 31-November 1 weekend while maintaining very strong intensity, bringing a growing risk of dangerously high waves, powerful swells and extremely rough seas.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Bankrupt Yubari City to Complete Debt Repayment Next Year

The city of Yubari in Hokkaido, which declared financial collapse 20 years ago, is preparing to complete repayment of approximately 35.3 billion yen in debt by March 2027, paving the way for lower property taxes, improved municipal employee salaries, and a renewed focus on public services.

Japan Blocks Websites Leaking GMO Personal Data

Japan and Germany Agree to Launch New AI Dialogue Framework

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on October 28 that Japan and Germany had agreed to establish a new high-level dialogue framework on artificial intelligence following talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Tokyo, marking a step toward closer cooperation between the two countries in emerging technologies.

Japan Demands Release of Journalist Detained in Russia

Japan has confirmed that a Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper reporter detained in Russia since October 13 is in good health following his first consular visit, with the government reiterating its demand for his immediate release.

Japan Plans New Laws to Strengthen Intelligence Capabilities

The Japanese government has outlined plans to introduce new legislation requiring individuals and organizations acting on behalf of foreign governments to disclose their activities, as part of efforts to strengthen Japan's intelligence capabilities and prevent improper foreign interference.

Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Dies at 90

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who became the country's 91st prime minister in 2007 and made history as the first son of a former prime minister to hold the country's highest political office, has died at the age of 90, leaving a legacy that includes navigating a divided parliament, advancing consumer protection reforms, and securing an international agreement on climate change at the 2008 G8 summit in Hokkaido.

US Marine Charged With Robbery and Murder of Woman in Okinawa

A 20-year-old US Marine stationed in Okinawa was indicted on October 25 on charges of robbery and murder after allegedly strangling a woman to death at a hotel in Naha and stealing her backpack containing a wallet and other belongings.

Takaichi Government Marks One Year With Approval Ratings Above 60%

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marked the first anniversary of her administration on October 21 with approval ratings still above 60%, supported by her forceful political messaging and extensive use of social media, although growing dissatisfaction over rising prices and the slow delivery of economic policies is beginning to weaken support, particularly among younger voters.

< 2 3 4 5 >