Record 120 countries, regions to attend Hiroshima A-bomb ceremony
While Russia is expected to again be absent this year, its close ally, Belarus, is set to attend for the first time in four years, the Hiroshima city government said, after the municipality effectively lifted the attendance ban on the two countries due to Moscow's war on Ukraine.
Among nuclear-armed states, representatives from the United States, Britain, France are expected to attend. India, which is not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, as well as the de facto nuclear state of Israel will also take part.
Palestine and Taiwan, which are not recognized as countries by the Japanese government, will be participating in the ceremony for the first time.
China, Pakistan, and North Korea have no plans to show up.
Following last year's controversy over inviting Israel amid its war in the Gaza Strip, Hiroshima has this year switched from sending invitations to simply "notifying" all countries and regions of the annual memorial ceremony.
The previous record-high attendance was set in 2023, when 111 nations, plus the EU, took part.
Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said there was growing international awareness of his city's history, noting that a record-high 2.26 million people visited the city's museum documenting the devastation of the bombing during the previous fiscal year that ended March.
"As the first city to experience nuclear devastation...we aim to share globally 'the spirit of Hiroshima' that hopes for the realization of true peace and foster grassroots awareness of peace," Matsui said in a written interview with Kyodo News.
Nagasaki, which was bombed three days after Hiroshima in 1945, is also expecting a record-high attendance from over 100 countries and regions for its ceremony on Saturday.
The city has this year invited all countries and regions with diplomatic missions in Japan or representative offices at the United Nations. The city also accepted a request from Taiwan to attend for the first time.
"I hope that by witnessing the reality of the atomic bombing firsthand, (attendees) will feel the inhumane consequences of using nuclear weapons," Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki said in a separate interview with Kyodo News.
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and three days later in Nagasaki killed more than 210,000 people by the end of that year. Japan surrendered six days after the Nagasaki bombing, bringing an end to World War II.
Each year, the cities hold memorial ceremonies to mourn the victims and pray for lasting peace.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass will attend both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki ceremonies, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo announced Monday.
His predecessor Rahm Emanuel skipped the Nagasaki event last year in response to the city not inviting Israel.
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Japan Times
an hour ago
- Japan Times
Japan gets serious about attracting world-class researchers
Japan's scientific and technological future is at a crossroads. After decades of economic stagnation, a record low birth rate of 1.15 children per woman in 2024 and the fastest-aging society globally — projected to shrink under 100 million within 20 to 30 years — the nation no longer has the number of homegrown researchers needed to compete on the world stage. The good news is the Japanese government has responded with a bold effort to rebuild the nation's scientific and technological competitiveness by recruiting world-class scientists, particularly from the United States. In June, the Cabinet Office launched J-RISE (Japan Research & Innovation for Scientific Excellence), a ¥100 billion ($677 million) package to attract global research talent. J-RISE is a major pillar of the government's broader University for International Research Excellence initiative, which supports top Japanese universities through the national ¥10 trillion University Fund. The fund, managed by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, aims to elevate the global standing of Japanese institutions by supporting world-class research environments. This level of investment signals a clear policy shift: Japan wants to become a global scientific hub. Sadly, this important strategic pivot is taking place against a backdrop of rising nationalist sentiment and economic frustration, neither of which bode well for attracting world-class researchers. Inflation in Japan has surged to 41-year highs, driven in part by a weak yen and rising import costs. While major Japanese firms agreed to the largest wage hikes in decades this year (around 5%), real wages have remained stagnant since the mid-1990s, unlike the 30%-50% gains seen in other Group of Seven nations. Younger generations, in particular, feel left behind — burdened by job insecurity, shrinking pensions and an economic system that hasn't worked for them in over 30 years. This economic disillusionment is fueling political extremes. In the recent Upper House election, the new conservative party, Sanseito, won 14 seats by channeling public frustration on immigration. Sanseito's platform, guided by a 'Japanese First' ideology, calls for further restricting land purchases by non-Japanese and tightening immigration laws — despite the nation's worsening labor shortage. It draws on populist tactics: Its leader, Sohei Kamiya, has explicitly emulated U.S. President Donald Trump's style to channel economic frustration and cultural fear into votes. Yet, according to a 2023 study by an independent think tank, Japan faces a projected shortage of more than 11 million workers by 2040, making foreign labor not optional, but essential. While Sanseito's messaging typically targets foreign land buyers and blue-collar workers, the atmosphere it fosters does not distinguish between different kinds of foreigners. Once xenophobia is normalized, it doesn't stop to distinguish between a factory trainee and a quantum physicist. A scientist considering relocation to Japan may not be the intended target — but the underlying message is loud and clear: 'You are not fully welcome here.' Japan faces serious demographic headwinds. A 2024 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report warns that if current fertility, employment and immigration trends continue, the population could shrink by 45% by 2100 and the labor force by over 50%. In response, public opinion is slowly evolving. A 2024 Asahi Shimbun poll found that 62% of respondents supported increasing foreign workers in labor-shortage sectors — up from 44% in 2018 — with stronger support among seniors. Yet acceptance doesn't always translate to inclusion. Studies from the OECD and other researchers show that many Japanese remain hesitant about immigrants settling permanently or living nearby, even when those immigrants are skilled professionals in essential fields like health care. Cultural and identity-based concerns still act as quiet barriers to true integration. And yet, Japan is entering a global competition to recruit world-class scientific talent — especially, as mentioned earlier, from the United States, where political volatility has shaken researchers' confidence. In response to the Trump administration's proposed severe cuts to U.S. science funding — including plans to slash the National Science Foundation by over 50% and the National Institutes of Health by roughly 40% — several countries, including Germany, France and the U.K., launched targeted initiatives to attract U.S.-based scientists. These efforts addressed growing concerns about unstable funding and politicization of research, offering fast-track visas, generous start-up grants and internationally oriented academic environments. Japan has attempted similar talent recruitment programs in the past, including the World Premier International Research Center Initiative and various Japan Society for the Promotion of Science fellowship programs. But these often fell short due to rigid institutional structures, lack of long-term career pathways, limited English-language support and persistent language barriers — all of which hindered integration for scientists and their families. J-RISE appears to be the most ambitious effort yet, but its success depends on whether Japan can create a truly welcoming research ecosystem. It arrives within the broader context of global competition. And while bold in its funding and goals, it must also confront the same core challenge other countries have faced: Can policy alone attract world-class scientists if the broader society signals ambivalence — or even resistance — toward foreigners? Science doesn't flourish in closed societies. It depends on openness to ideas, to people and to new ways of thinking. World-class scientists choose where to live and work based not just on salary or prestige, but on whether they and their families will feel safe, respected and welcome. Japan's leadership should be commended for its commitment to strengthening scientific excellence. But talent cannot be recruited with money alone. If Japan wants to lead in science and innovation, it must create an ecosystem that matches its ambitions — one that is not only globally competitive, but also socially inclusive. That means not only welcoming foreign scientists, but also fully engaging underrepresented domestic talent — especially women — who have long been overlooked and underutilized in Japan's science and innovation landscape. The stakes are high: Without a cultural shift, even the best-funded policies may fail to secure Japan's future. Yuko Kakazu, an astrophysicist, is a cohort member of the Mansfield Foundation's U.S.-Japan Network for the Future.
Asahi Shimbun
2 hours ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Rise of a populist party in national politics: Kamiya and Sanseito
On July 21, the day after the pivotal Upper House election, a fervent crowd surged in front of Tokyo's JR Shinbashi Station to hear the Sanseito party leader take a victory lap. When 47-year-old Sohei Kamiya stepped onto the stage, a roar went up and cheers erupted from devoted supporters. Sanseito tapped into the deep well of voter frustration with the status quo—and in a stunning political surge, expanded the opposition party's Upper House seats from a mere two to a commanding 15. Sanseito's campaign, championing a 'Japanese First' agenda, ignited a firestorm of controversy. About tackling Japan's declining birthrate, Kamiya said, 'Older women cannot give birth to children.' Saya, a singer-turned-candidate running from the capital, Tokyo, stirred further controversy by advocating nuclear armament, stating, 'Nuclear armament is one of the most inexpensive and effective measures to ensure safety.' These provocative statements fueled heated debates across the nation. In 2020, Kamiya founded the party and rapidly expanded its organization over just five years. Grasping the microphone, Kamiya looked out at the crowd and reflected: 'This party started from just one person's determination, and through the power of the internet, it has attracted so many people—now we have 18 members in both legislative chambers.' Hearing this, a 60-year-old woman from Atsugi in Kanagawa Prefecture said, 'Kamiya is someone who never wavers.' She joined the party three years ago after seeing a Kamiya speech on YouTube. 'I believe Kamiya will bring about politics that truly serves the people,' she said. So who exactly is Sohei Kamiya, and how did he grow Sanseito into the rising political force it is today? Based on interviews with those familiar with the party, The Asahi Shimbun delves into its roots and evolution and its leader. 'MINDSET REFORM' SEMINARS The origin of the concept of Sanseito—where people who encounter ideas of Kamiya and his associates online would participate in the party in various ways—dates back seven years. 'That experience, I believe, became a 'success story' that led to the party's founding,' said Kazuya, a YouTuber and a founding member of Sanseito. The 'experience' he referred to was the seminar called 'Ishiki kaikaku daigaku' (university of mindset reform), which Kamiya launched in 2018. Offered both online and in person, the seminar featured lectures from experts across various fields. Topics included 'Crimes committed by foreigners visiting or residing in Japan and special privileges for zainichi (resident Koreans)' and 'Why now is the time to awaken Yamato-damasii (Japanese spirit).' The tuition fee for the six-month program was 120,000 yen ($815). 'DELIVER WHAT MASS MEDIA DOESN'T' Kamiya's entry into politics dates back prior to the party's conception. He was first elected as a city assembly member of Suita, Osaka Prefecture, in 2007. In his books and blog, Kamiya explains that he entered the political world 'to educate and change the mindset of young people.' In the 2012 Lower House election, he ran on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party ticket but was defeated, and shortly thereafter, he left the LDP. Kazuya said he first met Kamiya around the time he shifted his focus to online activities. Having attended the Ishiki kaikaku daigaku seminar, Kazuya recalls that it 'managed to attract a considerable number of participants.' He was particularly struck by how attendees who came to the seminar venue gradually formed stronger connections with one another. The Ishiki kaikaku daigaku positioned itself online by emphasizing that it provides insights that 'the mass media do not report,' highlighting the unique value of its information. Through this approach, it connected with viewers, transformed them into supporters, and provided those followers with a place for 'learning,' which also became a source of funding for its activities. This method would later be adopted and continued by the Sanseito party. 'DO IT YOURSELF' POLITICAL PARTY In January 2019, Kamiya told Kazuya in a meeting in Tokyo, 'I want to create a political party and change Japan.' Kazuya, thinking that 'starting all at once might be too difficult,' proposed a project called 'Political party DIY" (Do It Yourself) to Kamiya. The concept was, 'If there is no party you support, let's build one ourselves.' Through online streaming, it would involve viewers in founding a political party from scratch and gathering supporters along the way. Kazuya said Kamiya immediately agreed, saying, 'That sounds great!' Sanseito was officially established in April 2020 with roughly 2,800 members at the time. PATRIOTIC MESSAGE WITH GRIM FUTURE VISION Webcasting has been a strong suit for Kamiya. Starting in 2013, he launched a YouTube channel where he serves as the 'main anchor,' sharing his views on what he called 'the nation's grand strategy.' In the early days of the channel, the content prominently featured portrayals of Japan's neighboring countries as threats and strongly emphasized praising Japan's ancient culture. Titles such as 'Warning! The real China' and 'Shintoism is the identity of Japan' were common. These themes have since become closely linked to the Sanseito party's current platform. In a blog written around the time Sanseito was founded, Kamiya explained that he created his YouTube channel because he 'deeply felt the distortion in mass media and education, and recognized the importance of disseminating information.' In the summer of 2020, Kamiya established the 'Sanseito DIY school.' Addressing party members, he warned that Japan's future could lead to 'a Great Depression, riots, suppression of free speech and even the collapse of the state.' Then he promoted the school as a place where members could absorb the 'wisdom of sages' to overcome these crises. According to Sanseito's 2021 political funding report, which covered the two DIY school sessions held that year, the DIY school generated approximately 32 million yen in tuition fees. While the Sanseito party began mobilizing supporters and funding itself primarily through the internet, not everything went smoothly. Following the party's founding, differences in opinion with Kamiya and conflicts over management policies led to frequent changes among the party's leadership members. Kazuya was no exception. TRUMP 'VICTORY' AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES One of the turning points that led Kazuya to distance himself from the Sanseito party was a visit, at the invitation of Kamiya, to a certain 'scientist.' In March 2020, along with Kamiya and several founding members of the party, Kazuya went to an office in Atsugi to meet the man whom Kamiya referred to as a scientist. The man appeared to be selling 'health products,' including chairs that emitted so-called 'body-beneficial frequencies.' He then began talking about the upcoming U.S. presidential election scheduled for November that year, confidently stating, 'It has been decided that Trump will win re-election.' Some of those who accompanied Kazuya left due to the lack of credible evidence in the man's claims. However, Kamiya listened intently to the man's story until the very end. Seeing this, Kazuya later reflected, 'The story sounded like it was decided by some shadowy force and was quite suspicious, yet (Kamiya) accepted it unquestioningly, which was shocking.' The 'prophecy' uttered by the 'scientist' proved to be wrong, as Joe Biden defeated Trump in the presidential election that year. However, this time it was Kamiya himself who began promoting statements that could be seen as conspiracy theories. On one occasion, Kazuya heard Kamiya claim that 'international financial capital controls the West.' Reflecting on this, Kazuya felt that 'without a shared understanding of basic facts, meaningful policy discussions are impossible.' In January 2021, he informed Kamiya of his decision to leave Sanseito. FIRST NATIONAL WIN ON 'ANTI-VACCINE' MESSAGE The founding of Saneito in April 2020 coincided with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the party's core members claimed that 'certain 'forces' seeking to profit from vaccines and pharmaceutical sales were exaggerating the dangers of (the novel coronavirus).' In the 2022 Upper House election, when Sanseito made its first foray into national politics, the party made 'the freedom not to get vaccinated' a central campaign theme. As a result, the party garnered 1.76 million votes in the proportional representation block, securing Kamiya's position as Sanseito's first Diet member. The writer known as 'Kuroneko Doraneko' has been closely watching Sanseito since around that time. Kuroneko monitors and analyzes misinformation spreading on the internet, such as spiritual businesses, anti-vaccine movements and conspiracy theories. In Kuroneko's eyes, Sanseito's success in the 2022 Upper House election was a reflection of the party's ability to 'capture and represent the sentiments of people who hold 'anti-vaccine' views.' RADICAL FACE SHOWN ONLY TO SUPPORTERS On the other hand, Kuroneko also believes that Sanseito's public statements have shifted toward a 'milder approach' over the years. An example is of the five core members who were central to the party during the 2022 Upper House election, three who made false claims such as 'wheat flour did not exist in pre-war Japan' left the party the following year. Another example is at a news conference after the Upper House election in July this year, Kamiya commented on the controversy sparked when a Sanseito candidate referred to protestors as 'unpatriotic' during a rally, saying he 'wants to issue a warning.' Kamiya also cited governance reforms within the party as a key challenge going forward. Kuroneko believes that Kamiya 'may have realized that toning down radical claims could gain a broader support.' However, there are also claims suggesting that Kamiya 'shows a different face in closed settings attended only by supporters.' In May of this year, Sanseito held a political fund-raising party at a hall in Tokyo's Takadanobaba district, attracting a large number of supporters. According to an attendee, Kamiya shouted from the stage: 'First and foremost, members of the Diet should work for the Japanese people. But there are way too many who don't. Many can't even show their family registry.' Kamiya went on to say, 'They're also making sure our reach on social media doesn't spread.' In response, the audience broke into applause, the attendee said. The fund-raising party lasted for seven hours. In a YouTube livestream interview with a journalist in late May, Kamiya frequently mentioned the 'Deep State,' a shadow government often spoken about among Trump supporters. Kazuya analyzes, 'Kamiya aims to build a party with broad support and is hiding his conspiracy theories. But to some extent, they have surfaced.' Voices questioning the substance of Kamiya's messages have emerged even from within his party. 'Kamiya is good at building an organization, but he's barely involved in policy,' said an executive from a Sanseito candidate's campaign team in the Upper House election. 'That's why what he says keeps changing.' Kazuya also noted a concern: 'There is a danger that policies based on incorrect premises may be formulated' by Kamiya's party.
The Mainichi
3 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Sony Group lifts FY 2025 net profit outlook on eased tariff concerns
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Sony Group Corp. said Thursday it has raised its net profit forecast for the fiscal year through March to 970 billion yen ($6.57 billion), up 4 percent from an earlier projection, after reassessing the impact of higher U.S. tariffs. The Japanese tech and entertainment conglomerate lifted its operating profit forecast to 1.33 trillion yen, up 4 percent from the previous estimate in May, while leaving its sales outlook unchanged at 11.7 trillion yen. Sony Group revised the projected impact of the U.S. trade measures, imposed under U.S. President Donald Trump, on its operating profit to 70 billion yen, down from 100 billion yen forecast in mid-May. After Trump implemented "reciprocal" tariffs with a baseline duty of 10 percent for nearly all countries in April, fears had been growing that Japan could face the imposition of additional duties that would more than double the level. But last month, the Japanese government said it had agreed with the United States to set the rate at 15 percent. "The situation surrounding the additional U.S. tariffs is still fluid, and we intend to continue to monitor it and take action to minimize its impact," the Tokyo-based company said in a release. For the three months ended June, Sony Group's net profit rose 23.3 percent from a year earlier to 259.03 billion yen. Operating profit climbed 36.5 percent to 339.96 billion yen, while sales increased 2.2 percent to 2.62 trillion yen. The earnings report excludes the group's financial services business, which is set to be spun off in October.
