Macron opposes NATO intention to set up liaison office in Japan

Jul 10, 2023 | News On Japan

Jul 10, 2023 (NHK) - French President Emmanuel Macron has informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg of his opposition to plans to set up a liaison office in Japan.

An official at France's presidential office told reporters on Friday that the "NA" of NATO stands for "North Atlantic".

The official noted that the articles of the alliance specify the geographical scope, which is the North Atlantic.

The official said France is not in favor of the idea for reasons of principle, and that Macron clearly expressed his opposition to Stoltenberg.

The official also said, "Regarding the office, the Japanese authorities have told us themselves that they are not very attached to it." ...continue reading

Typhoon No. 7 (Mekkhala) Intensifies as It Tracks Toward Japan

Typhoon No. 7 (Mekkhala) strengthened into a very strong typhoon east of the Philippines by noon on June 22, with a central pressure of 940 hectopascals and maximum sustained winds of 45 meters per second, as forecasts showed the storm approaching Okinawa later this week while very moist air from the typhoon threatens to activate the rainy-season front over western and eastern Japan.

Japan Moves to Ease Thinner Shortage as Naphtha Shock Hits Builders

Japan will begin a new system on June 23 to sell paint and thinner directly from manufacturers to construction firms and other businesses, aiming to ease supply bottlenecks and curb price increases as worsening conditions in the Middle East make such materials harder to obtain.

Three Bear Cubs Seen Climbing Tree Putting Town on Alert

Three bear cubs were spotted climbing a tree in Hirogawa, Wakayama Prefecture, on the morning of June 22, prompting the town to put up warning signs and call on residents to stay alert, although no injuries or damage have been reported.

Risk Of Major Mosquito Outbreak This Summer

Mosquitoes are appearing earlier than usual this year, raising fears of a major summer outbreak as experts warn that warm May weather and repeated light rain have created ideal breeding conditions across residential areas.

Bears Growing More Aggressive in June and July

Bear attacks and sightings are increasing across Japan, with multiple people injured on June 17 and experts warning that bears are becoming more accustomed to human environments, potentially leading to more dangerous and unpredictable encounters in the years ahead.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Imperial Reform Plan Advances as Emperor and Empress Deepen Ties in Belgium

The speakers and vice speakers of both houses of the Japanese Diet approved on June 22 the government’s outline for revising the Imperial Household Law and related measures aimed at securing the number of imperial family members, following what has been described as the consensus of the legislature.

Three Opposition Parties in Japan Move Toward Possible Merger

Centrist Reform Alliance leader Ogawa has secured agreement from the leaders of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito to establish a consultative body to discuss a possible merger of the three parties.

Referendum Revision Bill Passes Lower House

A bill to revise the national referendum law, which sets procedures for constitutional amendments, was approved by the House of Representatives plenary session and is expected to enter deliberation at the House of Councillors Commission on the Constitution on June 24.

All of Prime Minister Takaichi's Proposals Included in G7 Statement

A draft of the joint statement from the G7 summit in France has revealed that all proposals put forward by Prime Minister Takaichi on energy security and critical minerals have been incorporated into the agreement.

WATCH Major G7 Working Lunch With Trump, Meloni, Takaichi And Gulf Leaders

Powerful gathering at the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains as President Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, Sanae Takaichi, Mark Carney, Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attend a high-level working lunch.

Japan and Italy Sign Supply Chain Pact, Expand Space Cooperation

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced new agreements on supply chain resilience and space cooperation following a summit meeting in Italy on June 15th, as the two countries pledged closer coordination on economic security and international affairs ahead of the G7 Summit.

Japan Unveils First National Plan to Support LGBT Community

The Japanese government has approved its first basic plan outlining concrete measures to promote public understanding of LGBT people and other sexual minorities, based on the LGBT Understanding Promotion Law that came into effect in 2023.

Japan's Flag Desecration Bill Revised

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has partially revised a bill that would create a new offense for desecrating the national flag, removing provisions that would have punished the posting of such acts on social media.

< 2 3 4 5 >