Japan's Foreign Minister Requests Safe Transit for Vessels in Persian Gulf

TOKYO, May 03 (News On Japan) - Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi, currently visiting Kenya, held a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi early on May 3rd Japan time, urging Tehran to ensure the passage of all vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf.

The talks were held at Iran’s request, during which Araghchi explained the current situation and outlook, including exchanges with the United States.

Motegi expressed hope that negotiations between the United States and Iran would resume at an early stage and ultimately lead to a final agreement, while also calling on Iran to demonstrate maximum flexibility.

Referring to the recent transit of Japan-related vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, Motegi renewed his appeal for all ships still in the Persian Gulf to be allowed safe passage as soon as possible.

Source: TBS

Bluefin Tuna Prices Tumble on Record Haul

Bluefin tuna, now being caught in unusually large numbers around areas such as Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, is becoming significantly more affordable, with some restaurant operators even saying it is cheaper than horse mackerel.

Is Japan Really Running Short of Naphtha?

The impact of Japan’s growing naphtha shortage is spreading across a widening range of industries, raising concerns about manufacturing, logistics, and even daily consumer life.

Japanese Cinema in Cannes Spotlight

The Cannes Film Festival opened this week with three Japanese films nominated for the festival’s top prize, the Palme d'Or, including 'Sheep in the Box' directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, 'Nagi Notes' directed by Koji Fukada, and 'Suddenly Feeling Unwell' directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

Japan Greenlights Coverage for iPS Parkinson’s Treatment

Japan has approved the application of public health insurance to a regenerative medicine product using iPS cells to treat Parkinson’s disease, marking the world’s first practical use of iPS cell-based regenerative medicine.

Chinese Buyers Drive Property Surge in Japan’s Luxury Districts

Foreign acquisition of Japanese land has become a growing topic of debate in recent years, and now the trend is reaching Ashiya, one of the Kansai region’s most prestigious residential areas, where soaring property prices are increasingly being linked to demand from wealthy Chinese buyers.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Tokyo Faces Delays in Painless Childbirth Subsidy Payments

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s subsidy program for “painless childbirth” has received far more applications than expected within its first six months, leading to significant delays in payments, it was revealed on May 14th.

New LDP Group Formed to Support Takaichi Administration

A new parliamentary group within the Liberal Democratic Party known as the "National Strength Study Group" is set to be launched, bringing together a powerful lineup of senior ruling party figures including Vice President Taro Aso, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Policy Research Council Chairman Takayuki Kobayashi.

Japan Vows Efforts to Free Trapped Ships in Persian Gulf

The House of Councillors' settlement committee convened on May 11th with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in attendance, as lawmakers continued debating the government's response to the worsening situation surrounding Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

What Was Achieved in Takaichi's Vietnam and Australia Trips?

Prime Minister Takaichi returned to Japan after visits to Vietnam and Australia during the Golden Week holidays, securing agreements with both nations to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and enhance cooperation on energy security, as Tokyo seeks to counter China’s economic pressure and navigate instability in the Middle East.

Japan and Philippines Begin Formal Talks on Exporting Retired Naval Vessels

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has agreed with the Philippines to establish a bilateral framework to begin discussions on the export of Japanese destroyers and other defense equipment.

Russia Signals Willingness to Hold Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

A Japanese lawmaker visiting Russia said on May 4 that Moscow has indicated its readiness to hold a foreign ministers’ meeting with Japan if Tokyo expresses interest, raising the possibility of renewed high-level dialogue between the two countries.

Why Vietnam and Australia: The Strategic Aims Behind Prime Minister Takaichi’s Visits

As Japan’s Cabinet ministers fan out across the globe during the Golden Week holiday period, Prime Minister Takaichi’s visits to Vietnam and Australia have drawn attention for their carefully calculated strategic significance, revealing a diplomatic push centered on securing resources, strengthening supply chains, and expanding human capital ties.

Japan Military Unit Withdraws Controversial Logo Created by AI

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 1st Infantry Regiment halted use of a newly created logo just four days after its release, following a wave of criticism over its design and the use of generative AI.

< 2 3 4 5 >