Kyodo News Digest: June 5, 2025
KYODO NEWS - 1 hour ago - 09:03 | Japan, World, All
The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.
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Japan to tighten rules on foreign tourists over unpaid medical bills
TOKYO - The Japanese government is set to tighten measures against unpaid medical bills left by foreign tourists who received treatment during their stay, sources close to the matter said Wednesday.
The measure, to be included in a forthcoming annual basic policy on economic and fiscal management to be approved by the Cabinet, is expected to state clearly that the government will "review insurance coverage for foreigners."
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Japan PM mulls increasing role of new disaster agency head
TOKYO - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is considering a plan to allow a state minister, who would lead a to-be-established disaster prevention agency, to exert power over other government offices and enhance disaster preparedness, sources familiar with the matter said Wednesday.
The envisaged launch of the disaster prevention-focused agency is one of the priorities for Ishiba, who is expected to unveil details of the new entity as early as this week. The new position will see the Cabinet ministerial post placed directly under the prime minister to highlight the importance and urgency of the new entity, the sources said.
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Trump speaks with Putin but sees no prospect of peace in Ukraine
WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but immediate peace in Ukraine is unlikely.
Trump said on social media he was told by Putin "very strongly" that Russia is determined to respond to Ukraine's recent airfield attacks. According to Moscow, Putin told Trump the offensives were an effort by Kyiv to stymie bilateral negotiations over the war.
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Japan's real wages in April fall 1.8%, down for 4th straight month
TOKYO - Japan's real wages in April fell 1.8 percent from a year earlier, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline, as pay hikes continued to be outpaced by rising prices, government data showed Thursday.
Nominal wages, or the average total monthly cash earnings per worker including base and overtime pay, increased 2.3 percent to 302,453 yen ($2,100), up for the 40th straight month, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said.
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Japan imperial couple, Princess Aiko honor war dead in Okinawa
NAHA, Japan - Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako paid their respects to the war dead in Okinawa on Wednesday ahead of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, accompanied by their daughter Princess Aiko on her first trip to the prefecture.
The imperial family visited the national cemetery in Itoman and laid flowers at the ossuary housing the remains of approximately 180,000 people who died in the battle.
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Top Russian security official visits N. Korea to meet Kim
BEIJING/MOSCOW - Russia's top security official, Sergey Shoigu, met Wednesday with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a day trip to Pyongyang, the Russian Embassy in North Korea said.
The pair exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and on the Korean Peninsula, as well as discussed cooperation across various fields, according to the embassy.
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Security tight in China as 36th Tiananmen anniv. remembered overseas
BEIJING - China tightened security on Wednesday, the 36th anniversary of the 1989 military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, with all forms of public remembrance banned, while the incident was commemorated overseas in defense of freedom and human rights.
Many police officers and vehicles were mobilized near the square early Wednesday morning to keep watch on any moves to honor the victims, whose numbers are estimated to have reached into the thousands. The Communist Party has justified the assault on student-led protesters as a necessary move to quell political unrest.
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Japan's Princess Kako leaves for Brazil to mark 130 years of ties
TOKYO - Japan's Princess Kako, a niece of Emperor Naruhito, departed for Brazil on Wednesday to promote ties between the two countries, which mark 130 years of diplomatic relations this year.
The younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko will arrive in Sao Paulo on Thursday and plans to visit eight cities, including the capital, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro.
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The Mainichi
19 minutes ago
- The Mainichi
Japan's Princess Kako receives medal in Brazil as she starts 11-day trip
SAO PAULO (AP) -- Japan's Princess Kako of Akishino, a niece of Emperor Naruhito, received the highest order of Brazil's powerhouse state of Sao Paulo on Friday as she kicks off an 11-day trip to the South American nation. Her trip also marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko arrived on Thursday in Sao Paulo. She held appointments with members of the Japanese community on Friday and finished her schedule at a dinner with Governor Tarcisio de Freitas at the state government palace. She was awarded the Order of the Ipiranga at a closed ceremony. Princess Kako will visit another seven cities, including Rio de Janeiro and capital Brasilia, where she is expected to meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Speaking to de Freitas, she made reference to the first Japanese immigrants arriving in the city of Santos in 1908 after a gruesome trip through the seas. On the first day of her trip, she visited the memorial to pioneer Japanese immigrants at Sao Paulo's Ibirapuera Park. "I felt that the immigrants made an enormous effort to adapt to Brazil, and still today are very active in different areas. The fact that Brazil sheltered the Japanese community made the connections between the two countries to become deeper," the princess said. Today, Brazil has the largest population of people of Japanese descent in the world, estimated at about 2.7 million. About half of those live in Sao Paulo state, official figures show. Emperor Naruhito has no male children, which makes his brother Akishino, Princess Kako's father, the first successor in line. Japan's tradition does not allow women to take the throne. Princess Mako, who is Princess Kako's older sister, was the last member of Japan's imperial family to visit Brazil. She traveled to 13 cities of the South American nation in 2018.
Kyodo News
44 minutes ago
- Kyodo News
Kyodo News Digest: June 7, 2025
KYODO NEWS - 2 hours ago - 15:00 | All, Japan, World The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- Japan, U.S. yet to find common ground on tariffs but want quick deal WASHINGTON - Japan and the United States have "yet to find common ground" on tariff issues, Tokyo's top negotiator said Friday, indicating that there remain many differences between the sides, but they still aim to clinch a win-win deal in mid-June. After holding talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, Ryosei Akazawa told reporters that he believes "further progress" was made. ---------- New South Korea President Lee to make diplomatic debut at G7 summit SEOUL - Newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has accepted an invitation to the upcoming Group of Seven summit taking place in Canada later this month, the presidential office said Saturday. Lee's attendance at the G7 meeting, to be held over three days from June 15 in Alberta, Canada, will mark his debut on the diplomatic stage. He took office on Wednesday following his victory in the country's 21st presidential election. ---------- Trump says U.S., China tariff teams to meet in London on Monday WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and two other Cabinet members in charge of tariff issues will meet with their Chinese counterparts in London on Monday. The two other U.S. officials who will discuss trade issues with Chinese representatives are Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. ---------- Chinese tourist slashed with knife on Kyoto street after argument KYOTO - A Chinese tourist was slashed by a knife-wielding person on a street in Kyoto on Friday evening after the two men had an argument, local police said. The assailant, who was previously unknown to the 37-year-old tourist, remains at large after the attack, which occurred in the city's Shimogyo Ward at around 8:25 p.m. ---------- Japan's shogi board game ass'n has 1st female chief TOKYO - Japan's leading shogi organization on Friday picked the first female chief in its 101-year history as part of efforts to encourage more young people, including women, to participate in the traditional Japanese board game. Ichiyo Shimizu, a pro shogi player herself, succeeded Yoshiharu Habu, a 54-year-old master, as president of the Japan Shogi Association for a two-year term. ---------- Japan showcases MSDF frigate in Australia amid bid to win contract DARWIN, Australia - Japan's latest Maritime Self-Defense Force frigate made a port call in Darwin, northern Australia, on Thursday for training, as Japan competes with Germany for a contract to build Australia's new-generation fleet. Showcasing the Mogami-class multi-mission frigate Yahagi to the media on Friday, MSDF officials highlighted its advanced stealth features and ability to operate with a smaller crew than the German vessels. ---------- Japan brokerages donating shareholder perks to help kids in poverty TOKYO - Japanese securities firms are donating the food and beverage gifts they receive as shareholder perks through their trading activities to nonprofit organizations to support children living in poverty amid inflation. The Japan Securities Dealers Association started the program in 2020, and around 2,300 donations had been made by March this year. ---------- China-born monster character "Labubu" proves global hit BEIJING - A unique monster character "Labubu," a rabbit-like plush toy of Chinese maker Pop Mart, has proved to be a global hit, with fans forming long lines every time new products are launched and some even fighting to obtain the merchandise. Labubu, the brainchild of Hong Kong-born, Europe-based artist Kasing Lung, is a mischievous character inspired by a Nordic elf, featuring pointed ears and serrated teeth. Much of its popularity stems from celebrity endorsements and savvy marketing strategy. Video: Plum pickling ceremony at World Exposition in Osaka
Yomiuri Shimbun
an hour ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
International Students Scared to Leave U.S., Return to School after Travel Ban
Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post Students walk on the campus of Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 7. As President Donald Trump signaled plans for a new travel ban after taking office, the family of a 19-year-old Venezuelan student at the Savannah College of Art and Design decided she shouldn't go home for the summer. She wasn't sure she'd be let back in the United States if she left. The possibility hung in the air for months, but nothing happened. Her parents, in Caracas, started planning to fly her back. Then the White House announced Wednesday that it would restrict entry to the U.S. by nationals of 12 countries, with partial restrictions on seven others – including Venezuela. The art school student immediately scrapped her plans to go home – or to any other country. She canceled a getaway to Costa Rica booked for the next day and instead plans to stay in Miami with her sister, who is also on a student visa. Her bags are still packed. 'I came here looking for better opportunities than the ones I could find back home,' said the student, who, like some other international students interviewed by The Washington Post, spoke on the condition of anonymity or withheld their full identities because they fear losing their visas. 'I came here to learn from the best and contribute as much as I can. I haven't done anything wrong, but they're treating us like we're some sort of terrorists.' While the White House says Trump's order would not affect current visa holders, it has plunged foreign students into uncertainty. Many colleges, bracing for a possible ban, have been warning international students for months to avoid nonessential foreign travel due to fears they could suddenly be unable to reenter the country. Now that a ban has arrived – during summer break for many schools – some students are scrambling to get back from abroad before the restrictions take effect Monday. Others in the U.S. worry they won't be able to return if they leave. Data from the 2023-2024 academic year show there were about 24,000 international students in the United States from the countries listed in the ban, which include many African and Muslim-majority nations. In his executive order, Trump said the travel ban was based on 'foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism goals' and applies to people who are currently abroad and do not have a valid visa. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said that visas issued before Monday, when the order takes effect, will not be revoked and holders can enter the country 'as long as there are no other reasons that would prevent entry.' Students and experts are wary of the ban's scope – and about how it will be implemented at airports and borders, and whether efforts to obtain or renew visas will be disrupted. In late May, the State Department suspended foreign students' visa appointments as it prepared to expand screening of applicants' social media accounts, The Post reported. 'Prospective students will be forced to abandon their educational dreams, faculty members will no longer be able to effectively collaborate internationally, and families will be kept apart,' Barbara Snyder, president of the Association of American Universities, said in a statement. 'These bans send a message to all foreign nationals, even those not immediately affected by them: You are not welcome here.' By the numbers In 2017, during his first term in office, Trump enacted a travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries – sparking protests and legal challenges. The White House's latest travel ban comes as part of its broader effort to reduce immigration and align higher education with Trump's political agenda. Wednesday's order bars the entry of individuals from Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also partially restricts the entry of travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. Iranians are by far the largest group of students affected by the restrictions, according to data from the Open Doors 2024 report from the Institute of International Education and the State Department. More than 12,000 Iranians studied in the U.S. in the 2023-2024 academic year – roughly three times the number of the next largest group, Venezuelans, of which there were 3,904 that year. African countries targeted by Trump's travel restrictions send far fewer people to study at American institutions. Just 66 students came from Chad in 2023-2024, for instance. The Open Doors data show stark differences in the type of education pursued by students from each of the affected countries. The vast majority of Iranians studying in the U.S. – 81.5 percent – are graduate students, while most students from Venezuela and Myanmar are enrolled in undergraduate programs. For most countries in the ban, much smaller percentages of the students they send to the U.S. are enrolled in programs that don't lead to a degree or are working in the U.S. under 'Optional Practical Training' status. The latter allows eligible students to pursue employment related to their studies for a year after graduation; those in science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields can apply to extend that to three years. Families spend months apart Arshia Esmaeilian, an Iranian student at the University of South Florida, had hoped to visit his family in Dubai next winter break. His mother had also been applying for a visa to visit him and his brother, who is also on a student visa, in the United States. But the travel ban means neither of those trips are likely to happen, Esmaeilian said. 'I was very disappointed,' said Esmaeilian, 21. 'My parents don't even know if they'll be able to come to the U.S. as visitors to attend my graduation next spring.' Another Venezuelan student, a 22-year-old at Pennsylvania State University, hasn't been home since December. He has an internship in the U.S. this summer and doesn't feel like he can travel to Venezuela after it ends. 'I'm just not willing to expose myself to that risk since I only have one year left in my studies,' the student said, adding, 'I really just hope that my parents are able to see me graduate.' Universities issue warnings More than a dozen prominent universities sent out guidance for international students ahead of a potential travel ban – some before Trump's inauguration in January. The ban stems from a Jan. 20 executive order instructing the Departments of State and Homeland Security and the director of national intelligence to compile a report on whether allowing people to enter from specific countries was a national security risk. 'If you must travel, please check in with us first,' Stanford University's Bechtel International Center wrote in March. 'We are able to connect you to immigration resources.' The same month, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology told its students to 'bear in mind' that changes and restrictions could 'be implemented quickly and without ample warning for travelers.' Jeff Joseph, incoming president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, described the ban as the latest salvo in a 'full attack on students and institutions,' including visa revocations and tougher social media screening. He noted that the ban comes at a time of year when international students typically schedule consulate appointments in preparation for the next school year. 'I have big concerns that these students won't even get their visas in time to be back here for the fall,' Joseph said. He added that it is unclear how much difficulty visa holders will face when they try to reenter the country, and that he is watching whether the administration issues guidance before Monday to airline carriers and ports of entry. For Alejandro, a rising senior at the University of Florida, the ban on Venezuelans felt like 'a slap in the face.' 'Even more than that, actually – it feels like a full-on betrayal,' Alejandro said. He had celebrated Trump's victory in November, believing it would help restore democracy in Venezuela. 'I really thought he was on our side – not that he'd be the one locking the doors to innocent people,' Alejandro said.
