TOKYO - Here is the most recent compilation of curated news briefs from Kyodo News.
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Intense rainfall anticipated across a large area of Japan with moisture bands forming in Kyushu
TOKYO - On Thursday, Japan's meteorological department issued warnings about intense rainfall spanning a large area of the nation, from eastern to western regions, with significant rainfalls reported primarily in western Japan.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency warned about potential landslides in the north of Kyushu, the nation's southernmost major island, following the formation of rainfall bands across five regions — Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga.
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TOKYO - On Wednesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Japan will maintain sanctions against Russia and assist Ukraine through collaboration with the global community, continuing initiatives aimed at securing long-term peace.
At a meeting held in Tokyo with his Ukrainian colleague Andrii Sybiha, Motegi reiterated Japan's stance that efforts to alter the current situation through force are not acceptable, highlighting Russia's attack on Ukraine. Both parties committed to enhancing their bilateral relationship, particularly within the realm of security.
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JFA considering requesting Moriyasu to remain as head coach
HOUSTON - The Japanese Football Federation plans to request Hajime Moriyasu to remain as coach following the national squad's elimination in the Round of 32 during this year's World Cup, according to its president on Wednesday.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto informed journalists that although no formal actions have been initiated yet, he stated, "We will need to start getting ready for such a possibility."
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Chinese authorities detain two Japanese employees of Fuji Electric concerning rare earth materials, according to reports.
BEIJING – Two Japanese staff members from the Fuji Electric company have been officially taken into custody by Chinese authorities, according to sources acquainted with the case, announced on Wednesday. The individuals had been held in May at a seaport located in northeast China’s Dalian City, linked to suspected efforts to smuggle rare earth materials out of the country.
Two individuals were separately taken into custody by local customs officials during mid-June and late June due to alleged violations of regulations concerning the illegal importation or exportation of restricted goods. This followed their detention on May 18 and May 25 for the same matter, according to the sources.
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Xi demonstrates determination to realize reunification with Taiwan during the anniversary of the ruling party.
BEIJING – On Wednesday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping stated his determination to realize reunification with Taiwan, a democratically governed island territory asserted by Beijing, during a speech at an event marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party's establishment.
"The resolution of the Taiwan issue and achieving full reunification of China is a historical responsibility and an unwavering pledge," stated Xi, who has been the party's general secretary since 2012.
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US refuses to renew tripartite trade agreement with Canada and Mexico
WASINGTON - On Wednesday, the United States rejected an offer for a 16-year renewal of its free trade pact with Canada and Mexico as it stands now, choosing rather to initiate discussions involving all three countries regarding its future.
The ambiguity regarding the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as the USMCA, which came into force in 2020 under President Donald Trump's initial administration, is expected to complicate efforts by businesses operating throughout the region—such as Japanese automobile manufacturers—to develop long-term investment strategies.
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OSAKA - On Wednesday, a group of researchers from Okayama University of Science along with other organizations announced that fossils discovered in Osaka Prefecture during the early 1990s, belonging to a mosasaur—a big sea-dwelling reptile that existed between 80 million and 65 million years ago—could potentially represent an entirely new species.
Fossils found in Kaizuka from 1990 to 1992 are currently housed at the Natural History Museum in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture. However, a detailed examination could not be carried out due to insufficient tools able to extract the encasing rock.
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FujiFilm will introduce new QuickSnap single-use cameras during the resurgence of vintage trends
TOKYO - On Wednesday, Fujifilm Corporation announced that it plans to introduce new items within its disposable film camera line called QuickSnap, marking the initial launch in two decades. This move aims to capitalize on a renewed interest among younger individuals, who typically prefer capturing images using mobile phones.
The launch of the water-resistant model "Active" and the monochrome film model "Black and White" coincides with the Tokyo-based firm celebrating four decades since the initial release of the series branded as "Utsurundesu" in Japan.