Japan Proposes Exporting Next-Generation Fighters to Third Countries

TOKYO, Mar 06 (News On Japan) - Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the necessity of exporting the next-generation fighter jets, jointly developed with the United Kingdom and Italy, to third countries. This comes in response to the cautious stance of Komeito, a coalition partner, on the issue of exporting to third countries.

Komeito's Senator Nishida Minoru questioned, "Why would Japan's inability to export finished products to third countries put us at a disadvantage in negotiations for joint development? What kind of inconvenience would arise for our national defense?"

Prime Minister Kishida responded, "If there is no mechanism for direct transfer from our country to third countries, we will not make efforts to reduce prices, making it difficult to realize the fighter jets we desire."

He explained that by advancing exports in a manner similar to joint development partners, the United Kingdom and Italy, it would be easier to achieve Japan's demands, such as enhancing the stealth capabilities of the next-generation fighter jets.

Furthermore, Kishida stated that without an export mechanism, "Japan would be internationally recognized as unsuitable as a partner country for joint development."

Source: ANN

Severe Rice Shortage Looms in Japan

Japan is facing an unprecedented rice shortage, with recent data highlighting alarming supply-demand imbalances in the domestic market. The Agricultural Newspaper reported on January 10 that the DI (Demand-Supply Index), a measure of rice market balance, reached a record high of 80. This figure indicates a critical shortfall in rice availability, surpassing even last year's levels when supermarket shelves were emptied.

Media Scandal Deepens as Fuji TV Faces New Allegations

The resignation of popular television personality Masahiro Nakai has sent shockwaves through the Japanese entertainment industry. Announced through his agency’s website, Nakai apologized, stating, “I’m truly sorry for this sudden farewell.” His decision to retire has sparked debates over whether this marks the conclusion of ongoing controversies surrounding him and the television networks involved.

Aquarium Director Caught in Endangered Turtle Scandal

Former executives of the Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, including a former director and three others, have been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of fraudulently receiving management fees by misreporting the number of endangered turtles in their care.

Man Stabs Three Near Nagano Station

Three people were attacked near JR Nagano Station at around 8 p.m., leaving a man in his 40s in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest and two others hospitalized.

Inoue Unfazed as Title Defense Draws Near

Naoya Inoue, the unified world super bantamweight champion across four major boxing organizations, will face Kim Ye-jun, the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) 11th-ranked contender, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on January 24th.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Fuji TV Faces Backlash as Allegations Surface Online

YouTuber Aoki Kanon, a former announcer, has revealed allegations of harassment by a senior official at Fuji TV. A post she shared on the social media platform X just a week ago drew widespread attention, garnered over 5 million views in just two days, sparking public outrage.

Emperor Congratulates Trump Ahead of Inauguration Ceremony

Emperor Naruhito has sent a congratulatory message to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration ceremony.

Defense Minister Joins Training as 11 Nations Gather

The Ground Self-Defense Force's First Airborne Brigade held its annual "First Parachute Training" exercise at the Narashino Training Ground in Chiba Prefecture, where Defense Minister Nakatanit also took part in the drills.

Japan’s push for a dual-use defence startup ecosystem

Japan is revolutionising its defence innovation by creating a dual-use startup ecosystem that integrates civilian technologies into defence research. (East Asia Forum)

Japan to remain 3rd largest financial contributor to UN in 2025-27

Japan is set to shoulder over 6.9 percent of the total financial contributions by member countries to support the United Nations from 2025 to 2027. It remains the third largest contributor following the United States and China, with the latter's share rising to almost on par with the US. (NHK)