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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Japan's Ishiba to Face Crunch Meeting of LDP Lawmakers Monday
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's resolve to remain in power will be tested Monday at a rare meeting of all the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's lawmakers to assess the reasons for the party's recent election setback. On Sunday, Ishiba again signalled he intends to stay in office even after the ruling coalition lost its majority.(Bloomberg) The gathering, scheduled to start around 3:30 p.m. local time, will give those in the party who seek a change at the top an opportunity to directly challenge Ishiba over his leadership. On Sunday, Ishiba again signalled he intends to stay in office even after the ruling coalition lost its majority in the upper house of parliament in an election earlier this month. 'I intend to devote myself to the people and the future of the country,' Ishiba said in an interview with national broadcaster NHK. He added he wanted to ensure the successful implementation of the recently announced US-Japan trade deal. New opinion polls show support for Ishiba's administration remains low, although surveys also suggest the public sees few good alternatives to the current prime minister. Polls in the Mainichi and Asahi newspapers published on Sunday both showed approval ratings of 29% for Ishiba's government. The Asahi poll also found that 41% of respondents thought Ishiba should stand down, while 47% thought that wasn't necessary. The same survey showed that 81% of respondents thought the LDP's defeat was due to partywide issues rather than the prime minister's leadership. Ishiba has also found support on social media and in small public gatherings outside the prime minister's office from members of the public calling for him to stay on. Nonetheless, party members have been calling for someone to take responsibility for the July 20 election setback, which substantially weakened Ishiba's position. For the first time since 1955, a leader from the storied Japanese party now has to govern the country without a majority in either of the legislative bodies. Former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi called for a leadership change within the LDP on his YouTube channel over the weekend. The party needs a 'fresh start with a new leader,' he said. While pressure mounted on Ishiba last week, the premier got good news in the form of a surprise trade deal with the US that carried relatively favorable terms for Japan, including the lowering of across-the-board tariffs to 15% from 25%. The deal doesn't appear to have given Ishiba a significant boost in popularity.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Japan's Ishiba stresses resolve to stay, avoid political vacuum
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated his resolve to stay on to avoid creating a political vacuum and to ensure that a trade deal with the US is fully implemented. "I intend to fulfill my responsibility so as to never create a political vacuum for the nation and its people,' Ishiba said on Monday (July 28) at the start of a rare meeting in which the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's lawmakers have gathered to assess the reasons for the party's recent election setback. The meeting, which started around 3.30pm local time, will give those in the party who seek a change at the top an opportunity to directly challenge Ishiba over his leadership. In his remarks, Ishiba apologised for the historic defeat that the LDP suffered in the July 20 election, and he said he wants to do his best to ensure the recent trade deal with the US is fully implemented. LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama, speaking at the same venue, said he'll finish analysing the election's results in August and decide at that time how best to hold himself accountable. On Sunday, Ishiba signalled he intends to stay in office even after the ruling coalition lost its majority in the upper house of parliament in the election. "I intend to devote myself to the people and the future of the country,' Ishiba said in an interview with national broadcaster NHK. He added he wanted to ensure the successful implementation of the recently announced US-Japan trade deal. New opinion polls show support for Ishiba's administration remains low, although surveys also suggest the public sees few good alternatives to the current prime minister. Polls in the Mainichi and Asahi newspapers published on Sunday both showed approval ratings of 29% for Ishiba's government. The Asahi poll also found that 41% of respondents thought Ishiba should stand down, while 47% thought that wasn't necessary. The same survey showed that 81% of respondents thought the LDP's defeat was due to partywide issues rather than the prime minister's leadership. Ishiba has also found support on social media and in small public gatherings outside the prime minister's office from members of the public calling for him to stay on. Nonetheless, party members have been calling for someone to take responsibility for the July 20 election setback, which substantially weakened Ishiba's position. For the first time since 1955, a leader from the storied Japanese party now has to govern the country without a majority in either of the legislative bodies. Former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi called for a leadership change within the LDP on his YouTube channel over the weekend. The party needs a "fresh start with a new leader,' he said. While pressure mounted on Ishiba last week, the premier got good news in the form of a surprise trade deal with the US that carried relatively favourable terms for Japan, including the lowering of across-the-board tariffs to 15% from 25%. The deal doesn't appear to have given Ishiba a significant boost in popularity. - Bloomberg
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Japan's Ishiba stresses his resolve to stay and avoid political vacuum
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Mr Ishiba apologised for the historic defeat that the LDP suffered in the July 20 election. TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated his resolve to stay on to avoid creating a political vacuum and to ensure that a trade deal with the US is fully implemented. 'I intend to fulfill my responsibility so as to never create a political vacuum for the nation and its people,' Mr Ishiba said July 28 at the start of a rare meeting in which the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) lawmakers have gathered to assess the reasons for the party's recent election setback. The meeting, which started around 3.30pm local time, will give those in the party who seek a change at the top an opportunity to directly challenge Mr Ishiba over his leadership. In his remarks, Mr Ishiba apologised for the historic defeat that the LDP suffered in the July 20 election, and he said he wants to do his best to ensure the recent trade deal with the US is fully implemented. LDP Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama, speaking at the same venue, said he'll finish analysing the election's results in August and decide at that time how best to hold himself accountable. On July 27, Mr Ishiba signalled he intends to stay in office even after the ruling coalition lost its majority in the Upper House of Parliament in the election. 'I intend to devote myself to the people and the future of the country,' he said in an interview with national broadcaster NHK. He added he wanted to ensure the successful implementation of the recently announced US-Japan trade deal. New opinion polls show support for Mr Ishiba's administration remains low, although surveys also suggest the public sees few good alternatives to the current prime minister. Polls in the Mainichi and Asahi newspapers published on July 27 both showed approval ratings of 29 per cent for Mr Ishiba's government. The Asahi poll also found that 41 per cent of respondents thought Mr Ishiba should stand down, while 47 per cent thought that wasn't necessary. The same survey showed that 81 per cent of respondents thought the LDP's defeat was due to party-wide issues rather than the prime minister's leadership. Mr Ishiba has also found support on social media and in small public gatherings outside the prime minister's office from members of the public calling for him to stay on. Nonetheless, party members have been calling for someone to take responsibility for the July 20 election setback, which substantially weakened Mr Ishiba's position. For the first time since 1955, a leader from the storied Japanese party now has to govern the country without a majority in either of the legislative bodies. Former foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi called for a leadership change within the LDP on his YouTube channel over the weekend. The party needs a 'fresh start with a new leader,' he said. While pressure mounted on Mr Ishiba last week, the premier received good news in the form of a surprise trade deal with the US that carried relatively favourable terms for Japan, including the lowering of across-the-board tariffs to 15 per cent from 25 per cent. The deal doesn't appear to have given Mr Ishiba a significant boost in popularity. BLOOMBERG
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Huge rock band reschedule several shows so they can 'grieve' Ozzy Osbourne
Members of heavy metal band Pantera were good friends with Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon, and Phil Anselmo, Rex Brown, Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benant need to 'mourn' his death Rockers Pantera say they can't face taking to the stage following the death of their 'inspiration' Ozzy Osbourne. The heavy metal band have rescheduled a number of shows so they can grieve the music icon. The death of the Black Sabbath frontman, a pioneer in the genre, was announced last Tuesday. His devastated family said in a statement that the 76-year-old was 'surrounded by love' at the time of his passing. Pantera - Phil Anselmo, Rex Brown, guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benant - grew close to Ozzy and say they need time to come to terms with the loss of their friend. In 1997, the group performed at Ozzfest, a music festival featuring heavy metal acts organised by him and his wife Sharon and they stayed close ever since. Pantera said: 'Ozzy wasn't just a legend who shaped the very foundation of heavy metal and inspired Pantera from the beginning — he was family. A mentor, a brother, and a constant presence in our lives both on and off the stage. The bond we shared with him ran far deeper than music. 'In light of this profound loss, we need time and space to grieve — to be with our families, our crew, and each other as we process and honour the life of someone who meant so much to us. Out of respect, and to allow members of our team the time to mourn, we will be the following rescheduling shows. July 28 - Saratoga Springs, NY → Tuesday, September 9. July 31 - Holmdel, NJ → Monday, September 8." Out of respect, and to allow members of our team the time to mourn, we will be rescheduling the following shows: Zakk recently recalled the most 'wholesome' moment from his time on tour with Ozzy. In an interview with Metal Hammer back in April, he looked back at their time on the road together. 'I remember we played the Budokan [Arena] in Tokyo. I'd always have a bag of beer with me, just in case anywhere we were going didn't have beer,' he said. "He comes in the room after the gig. He goes 'Zakky, Zakky… you got any beers?' I go, 'Yeah, but I'm not giving you one here. You're going to get us fired! Mum's [Sharon Osbourne] right across the hall – she's going to come and see the two of us drinking, is that going to be good?'' '[Ozzy] goes, 'Alright, tell you what, I'll meet you in the bathroom.' So I go in the bathroom, I'm waiting. All of a sudden, I hear the door open - he comes in the stall right next to me, and I push a Kirin or Asahi under there. I hear the 'psssst' of the can, then 'glug, glug, glug!' He downs it in one, puts the can down, pushes it back under and goes, 'Thanks, Zakk. I'll see you at dinner.'' In a statement that devastated the music world last week, the Osbourne family, including Kelly and Ozzy's wife Sharon, had said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. "He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis." Ozzy's former Black Sabbath bandmates have also issued moving statements. Sharon is said to have been left utterly broken by Ozzy's death. Fans have since been leaving tributes outside his Buckinghamshire home, with flowers and loving message laid outside the gates. Half-drunk pints and bottles of beer have also been left alongside candles as mourners toast the rock icon on Birmingham's Black Sabbath bridge. In the wake of his sad death, details surrounding his final hours have emerged as it's been reported air ambulance crew flew to the Black Sabbath star's mansion in Buckinghamshire and worked for two hours to save his life. Thousands of fans have called for Birmingham Aiport to be renamed after the Prince of Darkness, but the airport has announced its own plans to honour Ozzy. Instead, Birmingham Aiport is planning to add artwork paying tribute to the Black Sabbath frontman in its terminal. A spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "Ozzy Osborne is an inspiration to so many in our region proving that talent, hard work, and commitment can take you to all corners of the world. In the coming weeks, we will be looking at how we can celebrate his heritage and contribution to the region via terminal artwork, creating a greater sense of place for Birmingham and his fans."
Japan Forward
6 days ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Salted Drinks Surge as Japan Battles the Heat
このページを 日本語 で読む As Japan swelters through another punishing summer, one ingredient is emerging as the star of the season: salt. Food and beverage makers are rolling out an array of salt-infused products, from drinks to chocolates and gummies. It's all part of a fierce retail battle to help consumers beat the heat, and sales are soaring as a result. With heavy sweating causing the loss of both water and sodium, salt plays a vital role in maintaining the body's fluid balance. Now, companies are embracing it not only for its health benefits but also for its flavor-enhancing appeal. Shoppers, in turn, are gravitating toward products that let them replenish salt deliciously. People walking through Tokyo's Ginza under the intense sun. Central Tokyo experienced its first midsummer day of the year on July 20, in Chuo Ward. (©Sankei by Hayato Narita) Beverage makers are spearheading the salty trend with creative, thirst-quenching offerings. Kirin Beverage has introduced a limited-edition "Lime Salt" drink under its Sekai no Kitchen Kara brand, blending zesty Mexican lime with a balanced salty tang. Asahi Beverages has followed suit with "Salt Cider," a seasonal twist on its classic Mitsuya Cider that features Okinawan salt for a hint of savory depth. Both drinks meet the Japanese Ministry of Health's heatstroke prevention guideline of at least 0.1 grams of salt per 100 milliliters. Kirin's flagship salty beverage, "Salty Lychee," has already posted a 10% year-on-year increase in shipments from April to June 2025. Its newly launched "Lime Salt" is proving even more popular, so much so that it's expected to sell out ahead of schedule. Asahi has also seen a 5% boost across its lineup of heatstroke-prevention drinks, including popular brands like Calpis and Dodekamin. Vending machine sales have been especially robust, with the exclusive "Asahi Delicious Natural Water: Pink Grapefruit Salty" performing at a staggering 363% above projections. To keep up, Asahi has quadrupled production for July. Other companies are riding the salty wave as well. Kikkoman Foods has introduced Del Monte Salt Tomato juice, while FANCL has launched a limited-edition powdered drink called "Summer Salt Lemon," designed to dissolve in water and sold both online and at its retail locations. Lotte has spiced up its crispy Crunky chocolate line with a touch of pink rock salt, debuting Crunky Salt Vanilla for the summer season. Meiji, meanwhile, rolled out limited-time salted versions of its beloved almond and macadamia chocolates. The company blended Okinawan salt into both milk and white chocolate, creating a rich yet refreshing twist, especially recommended when chilled. Starting on July 8, FamilyMart launched a 'Salty Sweets' fair, featuring ten types of salt-infused desserts. (Photo courtesy of FamilyMart) Meiji's summer salt lineup doesn't stop there. It also includes salted watermelon gummies, as well as "Salt Lemon" flavors of its Bulgaria Frozen Yogurt Dessert and Drinkable Bulgaria Yogurt. Altogether, the company has launched five seasonal salt-based products. Convenience store giant FamilyMart kicked off a "Salty Sweets" fair on July 8, featuring ten varieties of salt-infused desserts. Standout items include a Salt Chocolate Tart, filled with ganache made from Lorraine rock salt and topped with whipped cream. Another highlight is the Fruit Cube Chocolat Salt Lemon, which combines lemon-flavored fruit cubes with a coating of salted white chocolate. Other additions to the lineup include Salty Grapefruit Gummies and Salted Caramel Ice Bars inspired by Morinaga's classic candy. With Japan experiencing record early-summer heat, including the earliest end to the rainy season in western regions, FamilyMart emphasized that salt intake is just as important as hydration. "Demand for salt-based products is rising as people prepare for another dangerously hot summer," a company representative stated. (Read the article in Japanese .) Author: Suguru Kojima, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
