Photo : The Japan Times

A megaquake in the Nankai Trough projects 298,000 deaths

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 31 March - 01 April  2025, Monday- Tuesday | Vol.2 No. 71 & 72
A megaquake in the Nankai Trough projects 298,000 deaths
On 01 April, a revised estimate by Japan’s earthquake task force projected up to 298,000 deaths in a potential megaquake in the Nankai Trough, about a 10 per cent reduction from the 2012 estimate. The report forecasts 12.3 million evacuees, up from 9.5 million, and significant damage in 764 municipalities across 31 prefectures, with tsunami waves of at least 3 meters and seismic shaking at a lower 6. Economic losses could reach up to 270 trillion yen, and up to 2.35 million buildings might be destroyed. It estimates 215,000 deaths could result from tsunamis if only 20 per cent evacuate immediately, and increasing evacuation to 70 per cent could lower that toll to 94,000. Additionally, 26,000–52,000 disaster-related deaths are projected. The government plans to revise its disaster prevention plan and develop a national resilience plan for fiscal 2026–2030, with a new disaster prevention agency to be established in fiscal year 2026. (“Gov't estimates up to 298000 could die in Nankai Trough megaquake,” Japan Today, 01 April 2025)
 
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission subjects Apple and Google to IT regulation and competition law
On 31 March, Japan’s Fair-Trade Commission announced that Google and Apple will be subject to the Act on Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphone Software. This act is aimed at regulating IT giants and enhancing competition in the app market. Enacted in June last year, the law targets firms with over 40 million monthly users per category and prohibits restricting alternatives in app stores and search engines. The Fair Trade Commission announced that Apple, its subsidiary, iTunes, and Google will face restrictions in the app store sector, preventing them from blocking alternative stores and in-store payment systems. Google will also be restricted in search engines, prohibiting it from prioritizing its services in search results without justification. The commission will release guidelines before the law takes effect by December 2025. (“Japan subjects Google, Apple to new smartphoneapps law,” NHK world, 01 April 2025)

Osaka holds World Exposition to boost Japan’s consumption, reports Japan Today
On 31 March, Japan Today reported that, according to the Resona Research Institute, the World Exposition in Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13, could boost Japan’s consumption by 1 trillion yen. Of the 28.2 million visitors expected, 3.5 million will be from abroad, and are projected to spend approximately 293 billion yen on transportation, hotels, and other expenses. The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition estimates that per-person spending by overseas visitors will exceed that of Japanese attendees, benefiting Osaka’s shopping, dining, nightlife, and nearby tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Nara. However, a surge in hotel demand, exacerbated by the need to accommodate expo security and management staff, may tighten room availability. Experts recommend promoting hotels in neighboring prefectures and ‘minpaku’ private lodging to accommodate an estimated 360,000 foreign visitors, as shortages or high prices could reduce the expo’s economic impact. (“Osaka Expo to boost consumption by ¥1 trillion: think tank,” Japan Today, 31 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 29 March 2025, Saturday | Vol.2 No. 70
Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba criticizes Trump’s tariff policy
On 29 March, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticised Trump’s views on tariffs, and that they were “difficult to understand” after the US president announced 25 per cent levies on imported cars and parts. The tariffs, scheduled for next week, have already sent Japanese auto shares down, with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan all experiencing steep losses. Trump said: “Friend has been oftentimes been much worse than foe,” adding that America’s trade partners were “taking our jobs, taking our wealth.” Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney declared the era of deep bilateral relations “over.” Ishiba warned that the impact on the Japanese economy would be “extremely significant” and noted that one in 10 Japanese jobs are tied to the automotive industry. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that these measures could significantly affect the economic relationship between Japan and the US, the global economy, and the multilateral trading system. Meanwhile, trade officials from South Korea, Japan, and China are set to meet in Seoul to discuss economic cooperation. (“Ishiba says Trump's tariff views hard to understand,” Japan Today, 29 March 2025)  

US-Japan-Philippines conduct joint naval drills in the South China Sea
On 28 March, the US, Japan, and the Philippines conducted joint naval drills at the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea as part of the “Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity.” According to Philippine Navy Commander Irvin Ian Robles, a Chinese frigate attempted to approach the area but was warned off by a Philippine frigate via radio. The drills involved the BRP Jose Rizal, the US Navy guided-missile destroyer DDG Shoup, and the Japanese multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro, with US and Philippine helicopters and a speedboat used for inter-vessel discussions. US Navy Lt. Alexander Horvath stated, “We are here to support our allies and support a free and open Indo-Pacific for everyone.” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. noted the exercises improved coordination, tactics, and maritime awareness, reinforcing allied security cooperation against Chinese assertiveness in the disputed sea. (Aaron Favila, “U.S., Japan, Philippines stage navy drills in disputed South China Sea as Chinese ship keeps watch,” Japan Today, 29 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 27 March 2025, Thursday | Vol.2 No. 68
Japan’s 900 hectares of land burned in wildfire 
On 27 March, the Japan Times reported that wildfires that began on Sunday in Ehime and Okayama prefectures have burned through over 900 hectares of land. In Ehime city of Imabari, 417 hectares had been burned as of Wednesday afternoon, while the fire in the city of Okayama swept through 559 hectares. The Ehime Prefectural Government designated Imabari and its neighboring Saijo as eligible for aid under the disaster relief law. Evacuation orders were issued for 3,848 households in Imabari and 1,091 households in Okayama and the neighboring city of Tamano. Although the city of Okayama lifted its evacuation order on Monday evening, it reissued the order on Tuesday night due to a lingering blaze. At Mount Kasamatsu in Ehime, a resident noted that the area destroyed this time was larger than that of a wildfire in 2008. In Imabari, several buildings, including a factory owned by a local home construction company, were destroyed. One local relative said: “It was too late when I came,” adding that the local fire department did not expect the fire to spread. (Jiji, “Over 900 hectares destroyed in Ehime and Okayama wildfires,” Japan Times, 27 March 2025)

Japan-Brazil signs action plan to deepen cooperation for the next five years
On 27 March, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signed an action plan to boost cooperation across security, economy, trade, and climate change for the next five years. Lula stressed the importance of free trade, multilateralism, and defending democracy amid rising protectionism and global tensions. He noted that now is a perfect time to reactivate their strategic partnership. Ishiba emphasized that it is “indispensable for Japan to cooperate with Brazil as partners” to lead international society toward harmony. The two leaders acknowledged the impact of U.S. tariff threats, with both Brazil and Japan facing a 25 per cent duty. A 100-member Brazilian business delegation met with Japanese counterparts, and the two sides agreed to 80 public and commercial projects, including elevating economic cooperation with Mercosur to a strategic partnership. (Mari Yamaguchi, “Leaders of Brazil and Japan stress importance of multilateralism and agree to strengthen ties,” Japan Today, 27 March 2025)
 
Japan Reader Daily Wire | 26 March 2025, Wednesday | Vol.2 No. 67
Japan admits injured Palestinian woman from Gaza for medical treatment
On 26 March, the Foreign Ministry of Japan admitted one female Palestinian injured in the Gaza conflict to a Self-Defense Forces hospital in Tokyo, with plans to accept a second patient in the coming days. This is the first time Japan has treated patients from Gaza since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023. The first patient, who was previously treated in Egypt, was transferred to Japan after an arrangement between the governments of Japan and Egypt at the request of the World Health Organization. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that both patients are expected to return to Gaza after receiving medical care and that the government will continue to assist with humanitarian needs and long-term reconstruction in the region. (Francis Tang and Himari Semans, “Japan takes in Palestinian woman injured in Gaza war for treatment,” Japan Times, 26 March 2025)
 
Japan’s Tokyo District Court orders dissolution of Unification Church
On 25 March, the Tokyo District Court ordered the dissolution of the Unification Church in Japan following a government request by Japan’s Education Ministry in 2023. In its request, the ministry cited manipulative fundraising and recruitment tactics that harmed followers and their families. The dissolution order will revoke the church’s legal status and tax-exempt privileges and require the liquidation of its assets. The court ruled that the church’s problems were extensive and continuous and that it was unlikely to voluntarily reform. In response, the church, which is South Korea-based and officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, stated that it was considering an immediate appeal. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that the government will continue efforts to support victims, while the church criticized the decision as a threat to religious freedom. (Mari Hamaguchi, “Court orders dissolution of Unification Church in Japan,” Japan Today, 26 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 25 March 2025, Tuesday | Vol.2 No. 66
Japan establishes a permanent Joint Operations Command for integrated SDF command
On 24 March, Japan formally established a permanent Joint Operations Command (JOC) by the Defense Ministry in Tokyo. The new command will centrally oversee the three branches of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), enabling smoother integration of operations across domains to prepare for and respond to possible emergencies, including over democratic Taiwan. JJOC is staffed by 240 personnel and is headed by Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo, previously vice chief of staff for the SDF’s Joint Staff Office. Nagumo will command the Ground Component Command, the Self-Defense Fleet, the Air Defense Command, the Cyber Defense Command, and the Space Operations Group, and is expected to serve as a counterpart to the head of the US military’s Indo-Pacific Command while coordinating with an upgraded US Forces Japan. (Jesse Johnson, “Japan launches new Joint Operations Command to unify SDF branches,” Japan Times, 24 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 22-24 March 2025, Saturday-Monday | Vol.2 No. 64 & 65
Wildfires continue to spread in Okayama and Ehime
On 24 March, Local governments ordered 2,800 residents to evacuate as wildfires in Okayama and Ehime prefectures continued to spread despite overnight firefighting efforts. Ground Self-Defense Force helicopters were deployed at the request of the local governments. On 23 March, a fire that broke out in Okayama burned 250 hectares across Okayama and Tamano. As of 7 AM Monday, a blaze in Ehime engulfed 119 hectares in Imabari. Several houses in Okayama have been destroyed, although no injuries have been reported. Both areas remain on high alert as authorities continue to monitor the situation. (Matsuyama, “Wildfires spread in western Japan; SDF joins firefighting efforts,” Japan Today, 24 March 2025)

Chinese Coast Guard ship stays in Japanese territorial waters for a record time
On 21 March, the Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) reported that Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels entered Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Their continuous stay surpassed the previous record of 80 hours and 36 minutes. The JCG’s 11th regional headquarters in Naha reported that two vessels entered on Friday and two more entered on Saturday, with two vessels remaining on Monday as of just after 10:30 AM. The record was set after the nationalization of the islands in 2012. Two of the vessels were equipped with naval guns. (The Yomiuri Shimbun, “Chinese Ships Stay in Japanese Territorial Waters for Record Time,” Japan News, 24 March 2025)
 
Bank of Japan data reveals household assets grew by 4.0 per cent in 2024
On 21 March, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) revealed that household assets in Japan totalled 2,230 trillion yen at the end of December, growing 4.0 per cent from a year earlier. Assets boosted by investment trusts jumped 27.4 per cent to 136 trillion yen after the revamp of Japan’s tax-free investment program. Stockholdings rose 9.5 per cent to 298 trillion yen, while cash and deposits increased 0.6 per cent to 1,134 trillion yen. However, cash declined 3.4 per cent to 105 trillion yen amid higher prices and more cashless payments. The proportion of Japanese government bonds held by the BOJ fell to 52.05 per cent from 52.64 per cent at the end of September. The central bank, which held 559 trillion yen worth of bonds at the end of December, has been reducing its purchases in a shift away from a decade of ultra-easy monetary policy. (“Japan household assets total ¥2,230 trillion at end of December on rising stocks,” Japan Today, 22 March 2025)
 
Online hate targets Japan’s Kurdish community, reports Japan Today
On 22 March, Japan Today reported that Ethnic Kurds in Japan face increasing daily online hate and unwanted photography. Around 2,000 to 3,000 Kurds live in cities like Kawaguchi and Warabi in southern Saitama Prefecture. Kurds who have settled in the region since the 1990s work in the demolition industry, doing jobs not preferred by native Japanese. A Kurdish family’s gathering was disrupted when a visitor’s camera was turned towards them, reminding them of past experiences of being photographed without consent. Online posts have accused Kurds of alleged crimes and of being “fake refugees,” though official figures show Turkish nationals, including Kurds, account for only 5.9 per cent of foreign arrests in Saitama. Mamo, a 35-year-old Kurdish businessman, said, “Hate speech has just become part of life, we’re used to it now.” To support their youth, the community established FC Kurd, a soccer team for about 60 school kids. Their coach Metin, a 51-year-old former professional footballer, emphasized the team’s role in offering hope. The head of the Japan Kurdish Cultural Association Vakkas Colak, called for legislation to eliminate discrimination and disinformation, and for Japan to make top-down changes. Cloak noted that the issue of online hatred toward Kurds is a symptom of a wider societal ill in Japan. (Kawaguchi, “Hate speech bringing unwanted focus on Japan's Kurdish community,” Japan Today, 22 March 2025)

Japan’s Former Prime Minister caught under gift voucher scandal
On 19 March, party sources revealed that Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave gift vouchers to lawmakers in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) while in office. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has also been criticised for distributing gift certificates worth 100,000 yen each to rookie LDP lawmakers. The office of former PM Yoshihide Suga also confirmed that he gave gifts to LDP lawmakers, while the office of former PM Taro Aso stated that he never distributed gift vouchers. LDP officials also confirmed that the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave away gift certificates. Constitutional Democratic Party leader Yoshihiko Noda described it as “a structurally deep-rooted problem.” Sources noted that during Kishida’s tenure, LDP lawmakers were invited to meetings at the prime minister’s official residence as they became parliamentary vice ministers or state ministers, where staff prepared paper bags containing sweets and gift certificates. Kishida justified these practices as being conducted in accordance with laws and regulations. (Jiji, “Kishida among several ex-PMs who gave gift vouchers to LDP lawmakers,” Japan Today, 20 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 21 March 2025, Friday | Vol.2 No. 63
Russians queue to visit Japan, says Japan Times
On 21 March, the Japan Times reported that hundreds of Russians queued at the Japanese embassy in Moscow to obtain free visas. Most of Europe has banned direct flights to Russia, leaving Russians to explore new holiday destinations, taking advantage of a strengthening rouble, rising real wages, and lower prices. According to the Vice President of the Russian Union of the Tourism Industry Dmitry Gorin, the number of Russians visiting Japan is set to double from 100,000 in 2024. The visa process now takes only four to five days, with return tickets starting from around USD 477.64. The simpler process and affordable flights have attracted many, leading to long queues at the embassy. (Lev Sergeev and Dmitriy Turlyun, “Cherry blossoms, free visas, and stronger ruble see Russians flock to Japan,” Japan Times, 21 March 2025)
 
North Korea warns Japan against deployment of long-range missiles in Kyushu
On 20 March, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea warned Japan against its recent deployment of long-range missiles in the Kyushu region. Kyodo News reported that Japan deployed these missiles to acquire “counterstrike capabilities” for emergencies. Pyongyang accused Tokyo of a history of aggression through the continuous strengthening of the Japan-U.S. military alliance and collusion with NATO forces. The KCNA said: “All military means and various forms of movement directly targeting North Korea are an object to be wiped out.” North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also warned last month that trilateral military cooperation among the United States, Japan, and South Korea was raising regional tensions and vowed countermeasures, including further nuclear development. (“North Korea warns Japan against deploying long-range missiles in Kyushu,” Japan Today, 21 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 20 March 2025, Thursday | Vol.2 No. 62
Kyoto Family Court dismisses gender change petition in the family register 
On 20 March, The Kyoto Family Court dismissed a petition by a married person to have their gender designation changed in the family register. Under the gender dysphoria special law being unmarried is one of the five requirements for changing one’s gender. Presiding judge Akiko Nakamura said: “It cannot be said outright that (the law provision) violates the Constitution and is invalid.” The petitioner, aged between 50 and 59, was born a man and diagnosed with gender dysphoria in 2015 after getting married. The petitioner discussed the matter with the petitioner’s wife before marriage and currently lives as a woman. The petitioner claimed that the law provision forces a choice of divorce or continuing marriage while accepting disadvantages. The petitioner has appealed the ruling, stating, “We will continue to fight.” (Jiji, “Kyoto court rejects married person's petition for gender-designation change,” Japan Times, 20 March 2025)
 
Japan’s Prime Minister introduces “Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan”
On 29 March, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba instructed his Cabinet at the Ministerial Council on the Promotion of Japan as a Tourism-Oriented Country to finalize a national tourism plan for fiscal 2026-2030 by March next year. The “Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan” aims to increase foreign visitors to Japan to 60 million and consumption to 15 trillion Yen in 2030. At the meeting, officials reported that last year about 37 million foreign visitors came to Japan and consumption totalled about 8.1 trillion Yen. Ishiba proposed improvements be made to the attractiveness of local regions, accelerate the introduction of the Japanese version of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and prevent overtourism. (“PM Ishiba orders finalisation of national tourism plan; 60 million visitors to Japan targeted for 2030,” Asia News, 20 March 2025)
 
Women are underrepresented in Japan’s news media, reports Reuters Institute survey
On 20 March, a Reuters Institute survey found that women remain underrepresented in the Japanese news media industry. Japan’s traditional workstyle values employees willing to work long hours, hindering reforms to working styles and reducing career opportunities for female journalists. The survey found that in Japan none of the surveyed news outlets had a female top editor in the five years through 2024, compared with 43 per cent in the United States and 40 per cent in Britain. Female executives accounted for over 10 per cent of all executives at listed companies, but only 5.7 per cent at national and local newspapers and 3.0 per cent at commercial television stations. Journalists have described experiences such as senior colleagues being reassigned to desk jobs after getting pregnant and facing harassment. Media leaders like Mariko Shibatani and Kazue Yonamine are working to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment, believing that having editorial and news bureaus with diverse perspectives will lead to more sincere discussions of social problems. (Jiji, “Women remain underrepresented in Japan's news industry,” Japan Times, 20 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 19 March 2025, Wednesday | Vol.2 No. 61
China-South Korea-Japan trilateral diplomatic meeting to be held in Tokyo
On 18 March, China, South Korea, and Japan announced a trilateral meeting between top diplomats in Tokyo will take place to discuss future-oriented cooperation and the regional climate. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will meet his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yul, and China’s Wang Yi, before the talks. The discussions will cover people-to-people exchanges, economic cooperation, measures to combat the falling birthrate, and arranging a trilateral summit by the end of the year. Additionally, Japan and China will hold their first “high-level economic dialogue” in six years and address the issue of fishery products imports. The trilateral meeting is expected to prioritize economic issues in light of recent US protectionist measures. (Jiji, “Japan, China, and South Korea's top diplomats to meet in Tokyo,” Japan Times, 19 March 2025)
 
Bank of Japan keeps currency rates unchanged amid rising inflation, reports Japan Times
On 19 March, the Japan Times reported that Bank of Japan kept rates unchanged at 0.5 per cent to prioritize threats to growth over the dangers of inflation. “Standing pat” was expected, as economists saw back-to-back rate increases as unlikely given the uncertainty in the global economy. Concerns centered on the rout in the Japanese bond market, with long-dated security yields spiking. The two-day policy board meeting resulted in increased rates by 25 basis points to 0.5 per cent, the highest levels since 2008. The spring offensive wages increased to 5.46 per cent from 5.28 per cent last year. US duties on steel, aluminum, and potentially auto imports, along with broader global instability, further complicate the economic outlook. (Kazuaki Nagata, “Bank of Japan holds steady at 0.5% as trade war escalates, inflation rises,” Japan Times, 19 March 2025)
 
Japan to deploy long-range missiles in Kyushu, East China Sea as Taiwan strait tensions rise
On 18 March, Kyodo reported that Japan plans to deploy long-range missiles on its southwestern island of Kyushu near the East China Sea. This move is done to strengthen “counterstrike capabilities” in the event of an emergency amid growing fears of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. The deployment is likely to begin at the end of March next year. Assessment of possible deployment sites in Kyushu is underway, with the Japanese ground defence force’s surface-to-ship missile regiment garrisons in Yufu in Oita prefecture and the city of Kumamoto cited as the two likely locations. The missiles are an upgraded version of Japan’s Type-12 surface-to-ship guided missile with an extended range of 1,000km. (Seong Hyeon Choi, “Japan to deploy long-range missiles near the East China Sea as fears over Taiwan grow: Kyodo,” SCMP, 18 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 18 March 2025, Tuesday  | Vol.2 No. 60
Poll reveals approval rating of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet drops, says Asahi Shimbun poll
On 17 March, public support for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet plummeted to its lowest point since he took office last October, reports Asahi Shimbun poll. This was following revelations that he distributed gift vouchers worth USD 671 each to 15 newly elected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers earlier this month. An Asahi Shimbun poll released Monday showed a 14-point drop in approval to 26 per cent, with 75 per cent of respondents calling the gift vouchers “problematic.” While 60 per cent said resignation was “unnecessary,” other polls by Yomiuri Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun also reflected record-low approval rates of 31 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively. Ishiba defended his actions as legal, claiming the vouchers were purchased with his own money to reward lawmakers for their election efforts, not as political donations or gifts to constituents. However, critics argue that the move contradicts his promise to clean up political corruption and raises ethical concerns. Opposition leaders, including CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda and DPP chief Yuichiro Tamaki, have called for Ishiba to testify before a parliamentary ethics committee to clarify the matter, but have not yet pushed for a no-confidence motion or his resignation. (Himari Semans, “Approval rates for Ishiba's Cabinet plunges amid gift voucher snafu,” Japan Times, 17 March 2025)

Japan Reader Daily Wire | 14-17 March 2025, Friday- Monday | Vol.2 No. 57-59
Liberal Democratic Party of Japan faces youth membership crises, reports Japan Times
On 17 March, Japan Times reported that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan is struggling with a youth membership decline. The party lost over 60,000 members in the past year, bringing the total to 1,028,662. The LDP celebrates its 70th anniversary on 15 November 2025. The LDP’s credibility suffered after a political funds scandal led to a coalition loss in the October Lower House election, dropping from 256 to 194 seats. Factors of membership decline include Japan’s aging, declining rural population and competition from opposition parties like Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Democratic Party for the People in urban areas. Efforts to attract younger voters via social networking and community outreach have been hindered by the party’s traditional, hierarchical structure. Hokkai-Gakuen University political science professor Kentaro Yamamoto said: “I don't think many young people today would accept joining a top-down organization like the LDP, where they would be forced to act as subordinates to their elders.”(Eric Johnston, “As it turns 70, LDP struggles to find its fountain of youth,” Japan Times, 16 March 2025)

Japan Reader | 08 March 2025  | Vol.2 No. 51
Japan and Britain affirm commitment to develop next-generation fighter jet
On 06 March, Japan and Britain affirmed that they would continue to collaborate on the trilateral project with Italy aimed at developing fighter jets by 2035. This was affirmed by Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Nakatani expounded that both countries are each other's closest partners in Asia and Europe and that he welcomes the jet development program. Lammy noted that stable bilateral ties are key for global security. . (Japan affirms fighter jet cooperation with British foreign secretary,” Japan Today, 07 March 2025) 

Japan Reader | 06 March 2025  | Vol.2 No. 50
Japan’s Prime Minister says Japan to decide its defense budget, rejects suggestion by the US
On 05 March, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed that Japan would determine its defense budget. He rejected calls from US nominee for undersecretary of defense for policy Elbridge Colby for Tokyo to increase spending to counter China. In 2022, Japan unveiled a 43 trillion-yen military build-up plan, doubling its budget to about 2 per cent of GDP amid regional threats. Colby argued for boosting spending to at least 3 per cent of GDP to enhance denial and collective defense, while Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized that Japan prioritizes the quality of its defense capabilities over the budget’s size. (“Ishiba says Japan will decide its defense budget, not other nations,” Japan Today, 6 March 2025)

Japan Reader | 04 March 2025  | Vol.2 No. 49
Japanese Judge New ICJ President
On 04 March, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) elected Judge Yuji Iwasawa as the new president to complete the current president's term. The current President Nawaf Salam’s term ends on 5 February 2027, but he resigned in January to become Lebanon’s Prime Minister. Iwaasa, before being a member of the World Court since 2018, was a professor of international law at the University of Tokyo and chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The ICJ had recently gained fame by accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza war. (“International Court of Justice elects Japanese judge as new president,” Japan Today, 04 March 2025)

Russia bans entry to Japanese foreign minister
On 04 March, the Russian Foreign Ministry banned nine Japanese citizens, including Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwai, the president and representative director of carmaker Isuzu, Shinsuke Minami, and Shohei Hara, senior vice president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The ministry announced the decision was made in response to Japan's sanctions against Russia related to the Russia- Ukraine conflict. Entry bans are a common measure adopted by Russia, and similar lists exist for several countries, including the U.S. and Canada, and include hundreds of people. (“Russia adds Japan's foreign minister and eight others to entry ban,” Japan Today, 04 March 2025)

Japan Reader | 03 March 2025  | Vol.2 No. 48
Wildfire rages on in Japan
On 01 March, the Government of Japan announced that the wildfire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, had spread across at least 1200 hectares. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency classified it as the largest forest fire in Japan. So far, one person has died, more than 80 homes were burned, and over 3000 residents and more than 1300 households are still under evacuation. The agency under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications also requested emergency assistance from local governments, including Gunma, Saitama, and Tokyo, bringing the number of responding prefectures to more than 10. Fifteen helicopters have been deployed to fight the fire. (“Japan wildfire burns largest area in over 30 years as blaze rages on,” Japan Today, 01 March 2025)