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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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KYODO NEWS - Jun 6, 2025 - 22:42 | World, All 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. The MSDF hosted an evening reception for Royal Australian Navy officials on board the ship the same day. In November last year, the Australian government shortlisted the Mogami-class frigate and Germany's MEKO A200 frigate as candidates to replace its navy's Anzac-class frigates in a program worth up to AU$10 billion ($6.5 billion) over the next decade. From an operational standpoint, there is a degree of support in Australia for Germany's proposed frigates, which offer compatibility with its current fleet. Meanwhile, Japan is aiming to ease concerns by allowing officials to experience the user-friendliness of its frigate. "With a smaller crew, it is easier to keep track of personnel. I believe this is the optimal size," Yahagi's captain, Masayoshi Tamura, said. Frigates produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. can be operated by a crew of around 90, half as many as similar vessels. The Australian government is planning the largest expansion of its navy's combatant fleet since World War II amid China's growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region. It is expected to choose either Japan or Germany as its partner for the joint development of new frigates by the end of the year.
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Japan, EU eye launch of "competitive alliance" scheme to boost trade
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