Japan, US sign deal to send 2 Japanese astronauts to the moon
This is the first time the US has agreed to fly non-US astronauts to the moon, making Japan only the second nation to have an astronaut land on the lunar surface.
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan, US to pledge greater ‘strategic cooperation’
The two countries will strengthen their joint production structure for defence equipment, in response to Japan’s easing of restrictions on defence equipment exports.
US President Biden plans summit with Japan, South Korea for NATO meeting sidelines
They will likely discuss how to work together to deter North Korea and China, among other issues.
40 members of Japan’s LDP Abe, Nikai factions to be penalised over unreported funds
Four former Abe faction executives are deemed by LDP officials to bear the most responsibility, as they could have stopped the practice.
Spirits of Palestinians in Gaza past the breaking point: UN director
The Israeli Army currently stands poised to launch a full-scale invasion of Rafah, where about 1.5 million Gazans have taken refuge.
Cherry blossom tree made of 880,000 Lego bricks blooms in Nagoya
The tree, which is made of about 880,000 bricks, is 4.4 meters tall and 5 meters wide and is located near the entrance of the Legoland theme park.
PM Kishida seeks cooperation against disinformation during International Summit for Democracy
PM Kishida also said that the spread of disinformation is a challenge common to all countries and requires common understanding and collaboration at the international level.
Bank of Japan’s pivot focuses attention on next hike, asset disposal
It will take time for the monetary easing policy to be fully scaled back, and the development of future policy will be a critical priority for the bank.
Bank of Japan ends negative interest rate policy
The decision marks the first time the central bank has raised interest rates since February 2007.
North Korea launches 3 ballistic missiles, with projectiles believed to have come down outside Japan’s EEZ
All three missiles had a maximum altitude of about 50 kilometres, and flew about 350 kilometres, with no damage to aircraft or ships confirmed.