Latest news with #JapanGovernment
NHK
5 days ago
- Politics
- NHK
Japanese ex-abductee collects signatures calling for return of other victims
A man who returned to Japan after being abducted to North Korea has collected signatures calling for the government to take concrete action to bring back all abductees as soon as possible. Hasuike Kaoru was abducted on July 31, 1978, along the Niigata Prefecture coast and returned home in 2002 after a Japan-North Korea summit. He took part in Saturday's signature collection campaign near the site where he was abducted, ahead of the 47th anniversary of his abduction. People passing by responded to his call for signatures, some of whom said they are supporting him. The Japanese government says at least 17 of its citizens were abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. Five returned home in 2002, but the other 12 remain unaccounted for. After abductee Arimoto Keiko's father, Akihiro, died at the age of 96 in February, abductee Yokota Megumi's 89-year-old mother, Sakie, is the only surviving parent of the recognized victims. Hasuike said it is important to send a message to North Korea that the Japanese people have not forgotten the abduction issue. He said he wants the Japanese government to seriously consider how to make progress in the issue and take action, regardless of the political situation following the Upper House election.
NHK
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- NHK
Trump again slams Japan, claiming market remains closed
US President Donald Trump came out with another criticism of Japan's trade stance on Tuesday, claiming the country refuses to "open up." Speaking to reporters at an air force base outside Washington, Trump said: "I will veer from those deals on occasion when somebody is willing, like if Japan would open up their country, they don't do that and they just don't do that. And I don't either, I don't subscribe to it one way or another. But they won't do that. We might just stick with a letter." The president was referring to letters he has sent to foreign leaders informing them of new tariff rates. Trump has lately made a string of negative comments about Japan. He said on Sunday the country has lagged the European Union in opening its market. Trump has also said the US imports large volumes of Japanese cars, although Japan does not buy US vehicles. The president is threatening a 25-percent tariff on Japanese imports starting August 1 if the country does not take action.
South China Morning Post
16-06-2025
- South China Morning Post
Japan's host clubs face reform as new law targeting predatory practices bites
In Japan 's shadowy nightlife districts, affection can come at a steep price. For thousands of women, a night of flirtation with a well-dressed host has turned into financial ruin and, in some cases, coerced sex work. Now, the Japanese government is stepping in with a revised law aimed at ending the industry's most predatory tactics. The revision to the Entertainment Business Law, which comes into effect on June 28, applies to both host and hostess clubs. However, it appears to target host clubs specifically, after recent reports of female customers being pressured into prostitution or acting in adult videos to repay their debt from overspending at these clubs. Last year, police received 2,776 host club-related complaints nationwide, with many involving women being forced into sex work to cover unpaid bills, The Japan Times newspaper reported. Under the new rules, hosts cannot emotionally manipulate customers into spending – a common tactic – by using lines like 'if you don't order, you won't be able to see me' or 'I'll get demoted if I don't increase my sales, so buy that bottle of champagne', according to media website SoraNews24. Hosts perform the so-called champagne call at the Shangrila Host Club in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Photo: Rob Gilhooly It will also be illegal for clubs to falsely advertise – by luring customers with cheap drinks only to charge exorbitant fees – or bill for unordered food and drinks. A local public safety commission will instruct any club found violating these rules to stop and, if it fails to do so, it may lose its business license, according to Kyodo news agency.
Bloomberg
28-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Japan 40-Year Bond Sale Demand Is Weakest Since July
Japan's auction of 40-year government bonds Wednesday met demand that was the weakest since July, an outcome that risks fueling further volatility in global debt markets. The yield on the nation's 40-year bonds was little changed from 12:34 p.m. in Tokyo just before the auction results.
Bloomberg
23-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Japanese Bond Yields Trim Recent Gains With Late Drop on Friday
After a week of rapid increases, yields on Japan's 30- and 40-year government bonds dropped more than 10 basis points in late trading on Friday. The 30-year yield extended a fall in the evening session in Tokyo trade to 3.055%, down 11.5 basis points on the day, after setting a record high earlier in the week. The 40-year yield dropped 13.5 basis points 3.540%.
