Rice crisis: Agriculture minister considers review of Japan’s rice harvest statistics
Satellite, artificial intelligence, and other technologies would be used to determine how well rice crops have grown.
The Japan News
Vietnam, Thailand aim to grow rice exports to Japan
In both countries, production of japonica rice, which is the same short-grain variety as that produced in Japan, has been expanding amid a boom in washoku Japanese cuisine.
Bank of Japan considering easing reductions in government bond buying beginning in April 2026
The central bank will discuss possible measures for beyond April 2026 at its policy meeting to be held on June 16 and 17. The current bond-buying reduction program was scheduled…
Japan economic revitalisation minister holds telephone talks with U.S. commerce secretary ahead of summit
The Japanese and U.S. governments intend to negotiate right up until the meeting between Prime Minster Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled on the sidelines of…
Traditional craft in Nagoya’s Arimatsu is to dye for
Shibori tie-dyeing in Arimatsu dates to early in the Edo period (1603-1867), when the craft was devised as an industry in a village poor for growing crops.
Nippon Steel-US Steel deal opens new doors for Japan-U.S. cooperation
The deal is likely to make a mark on industrial history and become a new symbol of cooperation between Japan and the United States.
Taiwan adds China’s Huawei and SMIC to export control list
Inclusion on the “strategic high-tech commodities” list means Taiwanese companies will need to obtain export permits before selling goods to the respective companies.
High prices squeeze hospitals in Japan, 60% now in the red
The effects are becoming apparent as some hospitals are reducing medical services or not replacing aging medical equipment.
Japan party leaders face off over no-confidence motion
PM Ishiba, who also serves as LDP president, and Yoshihiko Noda, president of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, waged a war of nerves at the final party leader debate…
Japan needs to prepare for foreign interference in polls
Constitutional amendment being freely and openly debated on both sides is desirable. However, such lax regulations and a high possibility of intense debate on the issue leave a…