TOKYO - Here is the most recent compilation of curated news briefs from Kyodo News.
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NEW DELHI – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and India’s leader, Narendra Modi, announced on Thursday their intention to enhance cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, essential minerals, and artificial intelligence, amid Japan's growing concerns over economic security due to China's influence.
Two nations further pledged to enhance their strategic collaboration in maritime safety and finalized approximately 120 agreements of cooperation, encompassing private sector investments amounting to 2 trillion yen ($12.4 billion), stated Takaichi following discussions with Modi in New Delhi.
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Top Japanese financial official refuses to comment on sudden rise of the yen
TOKYO - Japan's leading monetary official, Atsushi Mimura, refused to address the significant rise of the yen versus the U.S. dollar during the morning on Thursday, amid ongoing rumors that Japanese officials might step into the foreign exchange market.
"I do not plan to make any comments," said Mimura, the deputy finance minister for international affairs, as the U.S. dollar fell near the 161-yen mark from the middle of the 162-yen range during late-day Tokyo trading.
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A teacher brought their personal heater to a Tokyo primary school prior to the fire.
TOKYO - The principal of a Tokyo municipal primary school that suffered significant damage from a fire last month stated on Thursday that a teacher had positioned her personal electric heater and air fan in the storeroom believed to be the source of the blaze.
The principal, Masahiro Takakusaki, stated that the teacher often dried things in that location after using the washing machine in the home economics classroom, and she was currently drying her personal clothes when the fire occurred.
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United States finally reveals Rubio's conversation with China's senior official
WASHINGTON - During a telephone conversation earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized "the significance of fostering a positive relationship" between Washington and Beijing, according to the State Department statement released on Thursday.
In contrast to China's statement released on Wednesday regarding the call, the U.S. department's summary was brief and did not address any delicate topics, including Taiwan.
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A Hong Kong book dealer, who had been pursued by Beijing, passes away at age 70 in Taiwan.
TAIPEI – Lam Wing-kei, a Hong Kong book dealer who relocated to Taiwan in 2019 to escape possible extradition to China over the sale of restricted publications, passed away from cancer at a Taipei medical facility on Thursday, according to regional news outlets. He was 70 years old.
During his management of Causeway Bay Books in Hong Kong, Lam went missing together with four additional book dealers in 2015. In reality, he was taken into custody when visiting Mainland China due to distributing publications prohibited within the country because they covered controversies involving Chinese officials.
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TOKYO — On Thursday, heavy rainfall occurred in northern Kyushu due to a seasonal rain band combined with a low-pressure area impacting Japan's southernmost major island. Rainbands were observed across five regions: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Oita.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency issued alerts regarding landslides, floods, and swollen rivers due to volatile weather patterns affecting both central and northern parts of Japan.
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A pilot who crashed a small aircraft into a high-rise building in Beijing was experiencing self-harming intentions.
BEIJING – Authorities in Beijing stated on Thursday that a 66-year-old individual, who perished following a crash of his small plane into the city's highest structure earlier this week, was experiencing suicidal inclinations. He frequently noted in his journal about wanting to end his life.
The Chaoyang District Government in the capital stated that it has determined the incident resulted from "personal causes" and additionally revealed that the 13 individuals who were hurt are not facing life-threatening situations.
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SAPPORO – On Thursday, a Japanese higher court confirmed a previous ruling by dismissing an appeal from an Ainu group in Hokkaido who were requesting acknowledgment of their natural rights as Indigenous individuals to fish for salmon in a nearby river.
The Sapporo High Court rejected claims made by the Raporo Ainu Nation regarding their natural fishing rights, stating in its decision that such a claim would amount to an exclusive right to fish commercially in a specific section of a river.