TOKYO - Here is the most recent compilation of curated news briefs from Kyodo News.
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Trump states that a peace agreement with Iran might be finalized over the weekend in Europe.
WASHINTON - The U.S. and Iran might conclude a peace agreement as soon as this weekend in Europe, with the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz expected afterward, stated President Donald Trump on Thursday, marking a shift from his previous tough statements toward Tehran.
"we have reached a significant agreement regarding the conflict with Iran, and we will soon finalize the paperwork, which is expected to be completed within the coming days," trump stated at an event held in the oval office.
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Japanese emperor offers uncommon comment during discussion about decreasing number of relatives
TOKYO - On Thursday, Japanese Emperor Naruhito did not address directly the discussion about ensuring enough members within the imperial family, yet made an unusual statement expressing his wish for a resolution that "receives public support."
At a news briefing held at the Imperial Palace before his formal trip to the Netherlands and Belgium, the emperor stated that the core value of the royal family is "to experience both happiness and hardship alongside the citizens."
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Soccer: Japanese team leader Endo excluded from the World Cup due to a foot injury
NASHVILLE, Tennessee - The Japan Football Association announced on Thursday that Wataru Endo, the Japanese team's captain, has left the national squad for the World Cup because of a foot injury.
The national team manager, Masakuni Yamamoto, announced that Ajax defender Ko Itakura will serve as the new captain, with Borussia Monchengladbach striker Shuto Machino being selected as a substitute for Endo.
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TOKYO - Japanese officials anticipate maintaining the same level of crude oil imports in July compared to last year, stated Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, following increased acquisitions from non-Middle Eastern sources such as the United States due to the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan depends on the Middle East for over 90% of its imported crude oil. However, transport through the Strait of Hormuz, an essential energy passage where approximately 20% of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas typically flows, has almost come to a stop, prompting Japan to look for alternative sources of supply.
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YOKOHAMA – The leading official from Nissan Motor Co. states that the automaker has approximately cut vehicle development time in half through its restructuring initiatives, with the objective of accelerating the introduction of new models.
Nissan reduced the development time to 26 months, which is shorter than the previous maximum of 55 months before implementing the restructuring strategy, and also surpassed the plan's objective of 30 months, according to Nissan's president and CEO, Ivan Espinosa.
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China imposes penalties on the Philippine Defense Secretary for "reckless" statements China places restrictions on the head of the Philippines' military due to "careless" comments Beijing takes action against the Filipino Defense Minister following "inconsiderate" remarks China restricts the Philippine armed forces leader over "unwise" remarks The Chinese government penalizes the Philippines' defense commander for "imprudent" statements China enforces measures against the Philippine minister responsible for national security after "insensitive" comments
BEIJING – On Thursday, China enacted penalties against Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro along with his family members, asserting that he has consistently issued "unreliable statements" regarding Beijing, which harms its rightful interests and "disrupts Sino-Philippine relations."
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that Teodoro, along with his wife and son, will be banned from entering Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as prevented from conducting any business dealings or collaborations with entities and people within China.
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Opposition leader from Taiwan holds discussions with American legislators in Washington
TOKYO - Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's primary opposition party, the Kuomintang, held meetings with various American legislators in Washington to address the island's defense spending and military acquisitions, according to reports from Taiwanese news outlets on Thursday.
Cheng, head of the political group called the Kuomintang (KMT), had discussions with Republican Senator Steve Daines, who is recognized as a supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, along with representatives from the House — Republicans Brian Mast, John Rose, and Chuck Fleischmann, and Democrat Thomas Suozzi — as reported by news outlets.
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South Korea and China express sorrow over the passing of former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Koizumi
SEOUl — South Korea and China expressed sorrow on Thursday over the passing of former Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono, commending his declaration several decades prior regarding an official apology from the government concerning the involvement of the Imperial Japanese military in coercing "comfort women" into working at wartime brothels.
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min Seok expressed his sympathy via an X post on Thursday following the passing of the 89-year-old individual, who previously held roles as foreign minister and head of the cabinet, praising him for recognizing the forced involvement of comfort women by Japan during World War II and showing regret.