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The 10-step process for decarbonization strategy by the Japanese

Japan Reader | 29 August 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 160
Typhoon Shanshan causes havoc in Japan, reports Japan Today
On 29 August, Japan Today reported that Typhoon Shanshan had entered Japan’s main southern island of Kyushu. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) stated that the most powerful typhoon in Japan this year made landfall at around 08:00 am on 28 August, and urged citizens to exercise caution against violent storms, flooding, high waves, and landslides in southern Kyushu especially in the city of Kagoshima. The JMA also warned that the risk of a disaster due to heavy rain could escalate in western Japan, and predicted 1,100 millimetres of precipitation in the southern parts of Kyushu in 48 hours up until the morning of 30 August. Meanwhile, the Kyodo News Agency informed that three members of a family died after a landslide buried a house in Gamagori city in Aichi Prefecture. Typhoon Shanshan had an impact across sectors, with car manufacturer Toyota suspending production in all its Japanese factories, and hundreds of flights being cancelled by All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines. Kyushu Railways also informed it would suspend some bullet train services and warned of further disruptions. As per a study, climate change is leading to typhoons in the Japan region to intensify more rapidly over land. The study stated that they also last longer over land. ( Hiroshi Hiyama, “ Typhoon slams into Kyushu; 3 dead in landslide in Aichi,” Japan Today, 29 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 28 August 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 159
The 10-step process for decarbonization strategy by the Japanese
On 27 August, Japan’s Green Transformation Minister discusses a ten-step process for national decarbonization. Businesses to invest in carbon-free power sources such as renewable energy and nuclear power and a draft of the strategy presented at a government meeting by Green Transformation Minister Ken Saito were key points in the list. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: “Efforts for green transformation will impact national power. We must upgrade our measures constantly and implement them promptly.” Environment ministries along with agency officials stated that they would need 1.2 trillion Yen for the 2025 fiscal policy to promote green transformation investments and 255.5 billion Yen for supply networks like next-generation solar cells and offshore wind power generation equipment. In addition, the draft also stated a large amount of investment and a long project period are required for the development of carbon-free power sources. Furthermore, The Japan Times also reported on the draft that liquefied natural gas to be used as fuel to reduce coal-fired power generation and pointed out the need for long-term contracts to ensure stable LNG procurement. For economic growth through green transformation, the draft tries to expand overseas sales and contributes to carbon reductions. The panel of experts will be set up next month to design a planned emissions trading system. (“Japan to discuss 10-step process for decarbonization strategy rollout,” The Japan Times, 28 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 27 August 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 158
Western Japan to face Typhoon Shanshan, reports The Japan Times
On 26 August, The Japan Times reported on the Meteorological Agency forecast that a very strong storm was going to hit western Japan on 27 August. An official at the weather agency stated that the typhoon is expected to approach western Japan and the Amami region very strongly alerting the residents on high alert for storms, high waves, and heavy rainfall over a wide area, mainly in western Japan. As of 15:00 hours on 26 August, the storm moved across the ocean south of Japan at a speed of 12.5 mph and is expected to become more powerful on 27 August. By 28 August, the maximum wind speed is expected to reach up to 100 mph causing damage to some houses around Amami Oshima island in Kagoshima Prefecture and southern Kyushu. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism Satoshi Omatsu said: “The most important thing is to prepare in advance to check hazard maps and other information at home, workplace, and places of flood and landslide disaster risks, as well as information on evacuation sites and routes in case of emergency.” Omatsu further stated that there is a possibility of planned service cancellations, flight cancellations, and road closures and requested the residents confirm the latest information on the websites of the operators and check the latest information to allow sufficient time for their activities, especially if they are planning to go out. ( “Typhoon Shanshan to hit western Japan on Tuesday,” The Japan Times, 27 August 2024)
 
Japan-Italy intensified military engagement vital for regional deterrence, says Italian Minister of Defence
On 26 August, The Japan Times in an opinion titled “Interoperability with Japan ‘crucial,’ Italian defense chief says,” reported that Japan and Italy rapidly intensified military engagement and boosted interoperability and exchange of operational information. The Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto said: “We are talking about ships and aircraft from different countries preparing to operate, should the need arise, as if they were all part of the same force,” noting that the drive for greater interoperability between the partners armed forces has become “crucial” to bolstering regional deterrence.” He further stated that It has become more difficult to defend strategic interests alone, except for the United States, and now forging a path to enable like-minded nations to work closer together and making it easier to defend those interests. Rear Adm. Giancarlo Ciappina, who is also the commander of the Italian Navy’s air arm, said: “The Cavour strike would host liaison officers from both the MSDF and Air Self-Defense Force, who were expected to use the opportunity to glean whatever information they can about carrier-based fighter operations from their Italian counterparts and They’re going to come aboard Cavour, where they will follow the activity with the F-35Bs and once the Cavour leaves Yokosuka, it will take part in a series of anti-submarine warfare and other exercises with not only the MSDF but also French, U.S. and German warships currently in the region.” Additionally, officials from both Japan and Italy stated that the bilateral ties are experiencing an unprecedented phase of momentum and deepening with Italian Ambassador Gianluigi Benedetti who spoke about the new era focusing on collaboration, including economic security, science, industry, diplomacy as well as food and agriculture. Furthermore, the Global Combat Air Program reported that the project’s future might be impacted by the UK strategic defense review next year, Crosetto said: “I don't think GCAP will change, this is not a matter of governments, it’s an issue affecting countries that provides a sense of future perspective.” (“Interoperability with Japan ‘crucial,’ Italian defense chief says,” The Japan Times, 27 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 26 August 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 157
First joint statement adopted by Tokyo International Conference on African Development ministerial meeting, reports The Japan Times
On 26 August, The Japan Times reported that the two-day ministerial meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) had ended with a joint communique being adopted. At the TICAD meeting in Tokyo, ministers and minister-level officials from Japan and 41 African nations agreed to the joint communique which is the first to be issued in a TICAD ministerial meeting. The communique called for promoting the rule of law, stressed the importance of complying with the rule of law, and agreed that the UN Security Council needed to be reformed in view of the historical injustices against Africa. The Government of Japan also planned to launch an initiative to train female personnel for engagement in peace-building efforts, alongside the regional organization the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yoko Kamikawa stated in a news conference that she hoped the experiences and ideas from the meeting would be put into practice by the time the next TICAD summit is held in Japan next year. (“TICAD ministerial meeting adopts first joint statement,” The Japan Times, 26 August 2024)
 
Japan Reader | 24 August 2024, Saturday | Vol.1 No. 156
Barrier blocking Mount Fuji view removed, reports BBC News
On 22 August, BBC News reported that a barrier constructed to prevent tourists from congregating in an area close to Mount Fuji had been taken down. The problem arose after a photo of a Lawson convenience store in the foreground with Mount Fuji rising behind it became popular amongst tourists wanting the ‘perfect Japanese” photograph. However, the exodus of tourists caused the town of Fuji Yamaguchiko to be plagued by problems like littering, bad parking and anti-social behaviour exhibited by visitors. In order to curb this problem, local authorities in Yamanashi Prefecture erected the barrier blocking the view of the store in May before removing it last week in preparation for a typhoon. Authorities stated that the barrier would remain down for now, but might be erected if the problems arise again. Japan which is expected to witness 35 million foreign tourists in 2024, has been suffering from the effects of overtourism; with the tourist district of Gion in Kyoto having taken measures to curb tourists as well. (Nick Marsh, “Barrier blocking Mount Fuji view removed-for now,” BBC News, 22 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 23 August 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 155
Japan’s financial markets remain unstable says Chief of BOJ, reports Kyodo News
On 23 August, Kyodo News reported on unstable financial markets in Japan. The Chief of the Bank of Japan, Kazuo Ueda said: “There is no change in our basic stance to adjust the degree of monetary easing" if the central bank confirms that its 2 percent inflation goal has been attained.” Ueda further stated that the central bank will seek normalization of policy sent against the US dollar, but limit to cautious market developments. He also said: “after deciding on an interest rate hike that rates could be raised further later this year, leading to a historic loss on the Nikkei stock index, coupled with concerns about the U.S. economy.” Japan’s Minister of Finance Shunichi Suzuki stated that the government’s position is not in a state of deflation but he alerted a possibility of a comeback. On 31 July, the BOJ raised its short-term interest rate to around 0.25 per cent, termed, a shift toward monetary policy normalization. (“BOJ chief says financial markets remain "unstable," watching closely,” Kyodo News, 23 August 2024)

Japan Reader| 21 August 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 153
Japan and India affirm to further their 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation
On 20 August, Japan and India agreed to further their 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, reflecting contemporary priorities and security challenges. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said: “I also shared our desire for a new vision for our overall partnership that orients our relations in line with our evolving national goals and priorities.” The Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said:  “an increasingly severe international security environment is a key factor in updating the document, and both sides had reaffirmed a strong determination to work toward creating new solutions together.” Additionally, the ministers appreciated the progress on the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) and related technologies along with the installation of cutting-edge radar antennas, as part of the Nora-50 integration mast in the advanced Mogami-class frigates. The officials also said: “partners were exploring future cooperation in the area of ship maintenance in India.” They also discussed major concerns as they called for closer security cooperation, like China’s growing political and economic influence and forceful behaviour in disputed areas of India and Japan along with territorial disputes with China. An Indian foreign policy expert Jaganath Sankaran, said: “that given India's growing defence equipment needs, such a partnership would be desirable.” (“Japan and India to update key document on security cooperation,” 

Japan Reader | 20 August 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 152
Nationwide telephonic survey finds that the former Japanese Defence Minister is likely to be the next PM, reports Japan Today
On 20 August, Japan Today reported on the nationwide telephone survey conducted over three days, in which Former Japanese Defense Minister Shingeru Ishiba stood at 25.3 per cent, followed by former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at 19.6 per cent and Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi at 10.1 per cent. Ishiba topped the list as the people considered him the most suitable Prime Minister. The survey was carried out days after the current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that he will not run in the presidential election, in taking responsibility for a slush funds scandal. Despite the decision to step down as prime minister by Kishida, 78 per cent of respondents stated that the attempt did not help restore their trust in the LDP. Additionally, majority of respondents said: “measures to shore up the economy, boost employment and curb rising prices are the issues they want to be discussed in the upcoming LDP election.” (“Poll sees ex-Defense Minister Ishiba favored as next Japan PM,” Japan Today, 20 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 19 August 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 151
Japan’s migration policy is contradictory, says an editorial in the East Asia Forum
On 18 August, an editorial in East Asia Forum titled “Japan’s paradoxical migration policy,” looked into the Japanese government passing an amendment on Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act in June 2024, with the primary goal of replacing the controversial Technical Intern Training Program with a new foreign worker program. The updated law also includes more rigorous controls on permanent residents, the new amendment authorises the revocation of permanent resident status of individuals who repeatedly neglect tax payment, social insurance payments and are convicted criminals. The editorial noted that it is essential to recognise that the Labour Democratic Party (LDP) government is responsible for conflicting policies, the LDP officially supported the anti-immigrant policy and opposed granting rights to migrants and refugees. After Japan’s labour shortage became clear the LDP began to take immigration policies seriously, but some groups within the LDP were opposed to the idea of immigration policy that would pave the way for permanent residency for working-class people.  In a Diet session on 29 October 2018, former prime minister Shinzo Abe said: “the government has no intention to promote a so-called immigration policy.” In addition, the Abe government opposed the idea of issuing green cards at the time of entry, underscoring the government’s restrictive stance on the permanent residency of migrants. However, some politicians disagreed with granting permanent resident status to blue-collar workers at all, even after the enactment of the 2018 Immigration Law. Many assumed that the government had added the clause when the Immigration Law was revised in 2024, but the ruling LDP considered restrictions on permanent resident status from the beginning. Furthermore, the approach aligns with the LDP’s longstanding approach to foreign workers. An LDP Member said: “When the number of permanent residents increases, we also need to tighten control of their status because not all of them are good people. As such, we clarified that the widening path to permanent residency accompanied the revocation of it.” (“Japan’s paradoxical migration policy,” East Asia Forum 19 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 17 August 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 150
LDP Takayuki Kobayashi to run for party president, reports The Japan Times
On 17 August, The Japan Times reported that the former Minister of State for Economic Security Takayuki Kobayashi would run for the post of president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Kobayashi is believed to have support from lawmakers of the LDP, who were elected to the House of Representatives alongside him. Sources stated that Kobayashi could announce his leadership bid as early as Monday, 19 August. The post of LDP president and Prime Minister of Japan fell vacant after the incumbent Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his decision to step down. Former Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan Katsunobu Kato has already announced his intention to run as party leader. There are several other potential contenders to replace Kishida; including former Secretary-General of the LDP Shigeru Ishiba, current Minister of State for Economic Security Sanae Takaichi and Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation Taro Kono. ( “Takayuki Kobayushi set to announce LDP presidential bid,” The Japan Times, 17 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 16 August 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 149
Japan hit by 7.1 magnitude earthquake, reports ABC News
On 8 August, ABC News reported that an earthquake of 7.1 magnitude had struck off the coast of southern Japan. The United States Geological Survey confirmed the earthquake, which had its epicenter in the Hyuganada Sea off the coast of Miyazaki city on Kyushu Island. The earthquake avoided major damage, with no life-threatening injuries or irregularities in regional nuclear plants reported.  However, there was strong shaking and knocking over of furniture in kitchens, as confirmed by residents. The earthquake also prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami advisory, which was later lifted for all areas barring Miyazaki Prefecture. Japanese residents have been warned by authorities to stay away from the coast or river, and brace for more potential earthquakes. (Jon Haworth, Anthony Trotter, and Morgan Winsor, “7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes coast of Japan,” ABC News, 08 August 2024)
 
Japan marks 79 years of World War II surrender, reports Japan Today
On 15 August, Japan Today reported on Japan marking the 79th anniversary of its surrender in World War II. Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, Empress of Japan, Masako, and Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida were among those attending the government-sponsored ceremony, which mourned the 3 million Japanese civilians and soldiers who died during the war. A moment of silence was observed at noon during the ceremony, which was held without Covid-19 related restrictions for the first time in five years. In his speech at the ceremony, Kishida did not mention Japan’s wartime aggression, preferring to focus on emphasizing a free and open international order. Emperor Naruhito expressed his “deep remorse” and hoped that war would not occur again. The ceremony also included 4023 people related to victims of the war; with one representative Mitsuru Anzai appealing for peace in his speech. (“ Japan marks 79th anniversary of the end of World War II,” Japan Today, 15 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 13 August 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 147
Japanese supermarket director released after being detained in Myanmar, reports The Star
On 13 August, The Star reported on a Japanese supermarket director detained in Myanmar. The director of Aeon Orange, Hiroshi Kasamatsu, runs supermarkets in Myanmar, he was detained following an investigation into rice mills and supermarkets for selling rice at artificially high prices. Junta’s spokesman Zaw Min Tun in a statement stated, that Kasamatsu was released on 13 August evening, but did not produce any investigative details. In addition, Junta said: “Kasamatsu and three Myanmar nationals were detained on suspicion of breaching the reference price under the Essential Supplies And Services Law and "selling rice at a higher price to make economic chaos.” After the military seized power, the junta authorities introduced more necessities for export and import licences and tightened regulations on fuel imports. (“Japan supermarket director detained in Myanmar released: junta,” The Star, 13 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 12 August 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 146
Japan’s Foreign Ministry protests against South Korean incursion near Takeshima
On 11 August, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested over a South Korean maritime survey near the contentious Sea of Japan islets of Takeshima. The issue was noted by Japan’s Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, Hiroyuki Namazu where he telephoned a senior official at the South Korean Embassy in Tokyo. The Japan’s Ministry claimed that a South Korean survey ship was seen dropping apparent wires into areas that come under Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Additionally, there was no prior communication of the South Korean survey given. This is the fourth time in this year that Japan has issued its frustrations with South Korean maritime surveys near Takeshima. (“Japan protests South Korea’s maritime survey near Takeshima, ’’ The Japan Times, 11 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 08 August 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 143
Tokyo remembers 79th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombing, reports VOA
On 07 August, the VOA reported on the 79th anniversary of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan reaffirmed its aim to get rid of the world over atomic weapons. Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida said: “It is the mission of Japan, the only country to have suffered nuclear war, to pass on the reality of the atomic bombings to future generations.”  A Professor from the International Relations department at the University of Tokyo stated that Japan’s defeat in World War II changed the country, driving a hatred of war and military power that lasted for generations, eventually after decades of pacifism, the country witnessed philosophical changes in its military power and geopolitical attitude. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Tokyo and stated that Japan will again seek assurances from the US in preparation to use extended pre-emption i.e. nuclear weapons to defend Japan. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian said: During World War II, Japan invaded and colonized some Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, and committed serious historical crimes. Japan needs to seriously reflect on its history of aggression and act prudently in the field of military security,” (As Japan marks atomic bombing anniversaries, its military emerges from shadow of WWII, VOA, 08 August 2024)

Japan Reader | 03 August 2024, August | Vol.1 No. 139
Japan to attend a summit with Central Asian leaders, reports The Japan Times
On 03 August, The Japan Times reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to attend a summit with leaders from five Central Asian countries. Through the summit, he is aiming to bolster Japan’s influence in the region. The upcoming joint statement is expected to emphasise the importance of the rule of law, a move is seen as Tokyo’s attempt to counterbalance the growing influence of China and Russia in Central Asia. Kishida’s diplomatic tour, spanning Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, comes when these former Soviet states are navigating complex relationships with regional powers. While some are members of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), China has also become a major economic partner through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Japan’s strategy involves pledging cooperation in areas such as decarbonization, logistics network development, and human resource cultivation. By doing so, Kishida hopes to offer an alternative partnership model to these nations, potentially reducing their dependence on China and Russia. (Jiji, “Japan and Central Asia to vow to uphold rule of law,” The Japan Times, 03 August 2024)