Japan’s nonprofit cooperative news agency; distributes to nearly all Japanese media
The Guardian, The Japan Times, AP News, and others report Beijing’s export controls on dual-use items target Japanese firms as Tokyo expands its defense posture. Detentions of Japanese nationals in China over alleged rare-earths-related export violations are intensifying the diplomatic row. The moves come after Japanese comments on Taiwan and potential military action raised Beijing’s alarm.
China has test‑launched a long‑range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific carrying a dummy warhead. Beijing has said the launch was routine and that relevant countries were notified; Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Pacific states have condemned the test as destabilising and said notice was insufficient.
Japan's parliament has approved revisions to the Imperial House Law to admit distant male relatives into the line of succession and to allow princesses to retain royal status after marrying outside the family. The government maintains the male-only principle for the throne, leaving Princess Aiko ineligible to ascend, amid broad public support for a female emperor.
Japan's Diet has passed a law criminalising publicly damaging or defacing the Hinomaru flag to prevent discomfort and protect national symbols. Violators face up to two years in prison or a 200,000 yen fine. The measure is championed by Prime Minister Takaichi but faces constitutional criticism over free speech concerns.
China’s Luyang III-class destroyer has conducted live-fire drills within Japan’s EEZ near Okinotori, while Russia’s presence and joint patrols with China are drawing concern from Tokyo. Officials say the drills, observed during a China-Russia exercise, underscore deepening military cooperation in the region. Authorities are monitoring moves around Japan’s waters and airspace.
UNESCO has inscribed Mount Olympus as a mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site, marking Greece’s 12-year campaign. The designation accompanies South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Landscape and Japan’s Asuka-Fujiwara sites, while Normandy’s D‑Day beaches receive protection as part of the agency’s latest batch of recognitions.
A magnitude-7.1 earthquake has struck Kyushu’s Kumamoto region, causing a mall collapse and explosions. Officials report multiple fires, collapsed homes, and casualties. Evacuations are underway and major plants are evacuating as aftershocks continue. Authorities warn strong quakes may persist for days.
Japan and the US have conducted a coordinated yen-buying operation to stop the currency's slide after the yen hit 40-year lows near ¥164. Tokyo has confirmed the intervention and said it will act again if needed; Washington has publicly backed the move while reports say the US funded purchases by selling euros rather than dollars.