Latest news with #Nippon
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Japan Launches Task Force To Deal With Foreign Nationals
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Japan's government has launched a task force to deal with concerns about an uptick in foreign nationals living there. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced the "Office for the Promotion of a Society of Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals" on July 15. The move comes as the issue of a record number of foreign nationals living there has become an election topic. Why it Matters The task force's establishment marked the most visible government response to growing public concerns as the number of foreign residents reached about 3.8 million as of the end of 2024, according to the Japanese data site Nippon. This is the third consecutive record high, increasing by 10.5 percent year-on-year. But foreign nationals still only make up just 3 percent of Japan's total population of 120 million. What To Know Hayashi explained the reason for the task force in a press meeting on July 15, saying there are "situations in which the people feel anxious and unfair due to crimes and nuisances committed by some foreigners and inappropriate use of various systems." "Realizing an orderly coexistence society with foreigners is one of the important policy issues that the government must address," he said. Tasks will include creating a shared data information system for central and local governments to use and reviewing existing immigration rules and practices that do not take into account how much more globalized Japan currently is. Japan has long had strict immigration laws, but the country has slowly eased them as its population has aged and birth rates have declined. The influx of foreigners does seem to be a concern for many Japanese citizens, with public opinion polls showing a rise in support for a small "Japanese First" agenda. A February survey found that 71 percent of foreign nationals in Japan had been questioned by police on the streets in the past five years (5.6-fold higher than Japanese people), Japanese news agency Kyodo News reported. This is despite the fact that the crime rate for foreign nationals is around the same as for Japanese. Some 9,736 foreigners (this includes tourists and foreign residents) were arrested in 2023—5.3 percent of the total number of people arrested that year, according to a white paper by the Ministry of Justice. In 2012, after the U.S. Embassy posted that it has received "reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents," Japan's National Police Agency sent out an advisory to police forces, saying officers "should not base their decisions solely on how they look, such as appearance and clothing." Naomi Kawahara, the founder of the advocacy group Japan for Black Lives told Kyodo News she thinks the public is responding to an influx of foreigners and a small minority carrying out problematic behavior. File photo of Narita international airport in Narita, near Tokyo, taken Jan. 23, 2020. File photo of Narita international airport in Narita, near Tokyo, taken Jan. 23, 2020. AP What People Are Saying Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said: "In order to ensure Japan's transition to a growth-based economy, it is essential that we incorporate overseas vitality, but we are also facing situations where citizens feel anxious due to crimes and nuisances committed by some foreigners, as well as inappropriate use of various systems. Ensuring the safety and security of our citizens is an essential prerequisite for economic growth, and realizing an orderly society in which we can coexist with foreigners is one of the important policy issues that the government must address. I believe that this is an issue that is of great interest to the public." Prime Minister Ishiba said: "We will set up a secretariat and, with this command center, will comprehensively promote a variety of policies aimed at realizing an orderly society in which we can coexist with foreign nationals." What Happens Next The outcome of Sunday's election may determine the pace and scope of these changes, especially as opposition parties seek to distinguish themselves with their own approaches on foreign resident policy.
American Press
17-07-2025
- Business
- American Press
Cameron LNG marks 1,000th cargo milestone
The Cameron LNG liquefaction export project in Hackberry, Louisiana reached full commercial operations in August 2020. The project includes the first three liquefaction trains that will enable the export of approximately 12 million tonnes per annum of LNG, or approximately 1.7 billion cubic feet per day. (Special to the American Press) Special to the American Press Cameron LNG in Hacberry today announced the successful production and export of its 1,000th cargo of liquefied natural gas, marking a significant milestone achieved just six years after its first commissioning cargo departed the facility on May 31, 2019. 'This 1,000th cargo represents the skill, determination and commitment of the Cameron LNG team,' said Art Klein, president of Cameron LNG. 'Achieving this milestone safely and reliably speaks to the strength of our core values of safety and results-based success.' The 1,000th cargo departed aboard the Maran Gas Kimolos on July 17, from the Cameron LNG liquefaction facility located near Hackberry along the Calcasieu Ship Channel. 'Reaching this milestone in just six years is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects the expertise and tireless dedication of the entire team,' said Martin Hupka, president of LNG at Sempra Infrastructure and chairman of the Cameron LNG Board. The Cameron LNG facility includes three liquefaction trains capable of exporting up to 14.95 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), or about 772 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year. The facility began commercial operations with Train 1 in August 2019, followed by Train 2 in March 2020 and Train 3 in August 2020. Cameron LNG has delivered U.S. LNG to 37 countries worldwide. Cameron LNG is jointly owned by affiliates of Sempra Infrastructure, TotalEnergies, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and Japan LNG Investment, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha.
Chicago Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Former Sen. Donnelly speaks at Gary Chamber of Commerce meeting
At a Gary Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday, former Sen. Joe Donnelly said the future is bright for the city. 'We have so much going on here, but the biggest thing we have is our people,' Donnelly said. 'People who love this community, people who are willing to work together and to build a future for our kids and for our grandkids. That's what is going to power Gary and Lake County for years to come.' Donnelly was the speaker at the Gary Chamber of Commerce's monthly meeting Monday. In addition to his work as senator from 2013 to 2019, Donnelly has also served in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013, and he was the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See from 2022 to 2024 under former President Joe Biden. In his talk Monday, Donnelly highlighted the deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel and President Donald Trump's recently signed megabill that targets Medicaid, among other areas. Donnelly said he's worked with steelworkers and Nippon Steel representatives to help get a deal that works best for Gary as a whole. 'I think (the deal) is going to be great for steelworkers,' he added. 'I think it's going to be great for the steel companies, and I think they're going to invest an incredible amount into our area right here. Those are the things we see every day.' In June, U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel announced they had finalized their 'historic partnership,' which gives the federal government a say in some company matters. 'Together, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel will be a world-leading steelmaker, with best-in-class technologies and manufacturing capabilities,' the two companies previously said in a joint statement. Through the deal, the Gary Works facility should receive $1 billion as part of the deal, a Nippon executive said in late 2024. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton has vocalized his support since about August 2024, when it was first announced that Gary would receive about $300 million if the deal is approved. 'This deal is going to happen,' Donnelly said. 'I am hopeful that we will continue to grow American steelmaking year after year after year. I think what you'll see is that we have a really solid foundation here now.' Donnelly also addressed the recently passed and signed 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' which focused on tax breaks and spending cuts. The package's priority is $4.5 trillion in tax breaks enacted in 2017 during Trump's first term that would expire if Congress failed to act, along with new ones, according to Post-Tribune archives. That includes allowing workers to deduct tips and overtime pay, and a $6,000 deduction for most older adults earning less than $75,000 a year. To help offset the lost tax revenue, the package includes $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to Medicaid health care and food stamps, largely by imposing new work requirements, including for some parents and older people, and a major rollback of green energy tax credits. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the decade, and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage. Donnelly believes more legislators nationwide needed to go against the bill and stand up for constituents, he said Monday. 'Some of our legislators, I think, have forgotten over the recent years who they work for,' Donnelly said. 'We needed some of our representatives and senators to tell the president, 'I know, Mr. President, you think this is good, but this isn't good for the United States.' Donnelly remembered when he worked with former President Barack Obama when the Affordable Care Act was first introduced, saying he brought forth concerns he had for constituents. Donnelly worked with Obama to address concerns and come to a conclusion he felt was best for American citizens. 'I told him, 'You are the president of the United States, and I will work with you every single day, but I do not work for you,'' Donnelly said. 'I work for the people of Indiana and for the people of the United States.'
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nagaland team in Japan to foster collaborations
Dimapur: A high-level delegation of Nagaland is currently on an official visit to Japan to explore avenues for collaborations, partnerships and development initiatives with govt bodies, private corporations and civil society organisations in the country. The delegation, led by CM Neiphiu Rio, includes chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) Abu Metha, adviser for industries and commerce Hekani Jakhalu, and senior officers of the state. Ahead of Rio's arrival, the IDAN and the industries and commerce held a series of high-level meetings in Tokyo on Friday. The deliberations covered a wide range of collaborative opportunities, particularly in the fields of human resource development across sectors such as agriculture and allied services, hospitality, healthcare, tourism, arts and culture, sports, and film. Metha emphasised the shared wartime legacy between Japan and Nagaland and highlighted the importance of transforming the painful memories of war into constructive partnerships for peace and cooperation. The Sasakawa Peace Foundation shared insights into its ongoing projects in the northeastern, with a focus on people-to-people contact, Track Two diplomacy, peace-building and knowledge exchange. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expressed interest in expanding human resource exchange programmes by linking Japanese industry requirements with Indian talent pools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo With Nippon Yusen Kabushiki (NYK Line), discussions centred on the company's contributions to Nagaland and the scope for expanding engagements, particularly in the services and hospitality sector, to generate employment and capacity-building opportunities for the youth. The delegation also visited Kochi Prefecture, where detailed deliberations were held on joint initiatives related to human resource development, skill enhancement, capacity building, and technology transfer in sectors such as food processing, agriculture and allied industries.
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Why A 'Manga-Predicted' Earthquake On July 5 Has The Internet Buzzing?
Rumours are circulating online about a massive tsunami hitting Japan on July 5, 2025, based on a 2021 manga called "The Future I Saw" by Ryo Tatsuki, who is also known as the "New Baba Vanga." The manga's prediction, stemming from a dream, describes a catastrophic disaster occurring on that date, sparking widespread panic on social media. According to the prediction, a crack will emerge under the seabed between Japan and the Philippines, triggering a tsunami three times larger than the one in 2011. The prediction has gone viral, with thousands of videos circulating across social media platforms, especially in East Asia (Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea). Posts on X have amplified the panic, with several users linking it to fears of a Nankai Trough megaquake. A swarm of over 330 earthquakes near Japan's Tokara Islands and a volcanic eruption on Mount Shinmoe in Kyushu have also reignited fears, as they coincide with the manga's predicted timeline. Though seismologists dismiss any link, the timing has amplified public concern. A recent survey conducted by Sky Perfect JSAT in June found that 49.4% of Japanese respondents had heard about the prophecy regarding a major earthquake, while 50.6% were unaware. The survey polled 1,000 individuals nationwide, aged 15 to 69. The results showed that women in their teens (61.4%) and fifties (57.8%) were most likely to have heard the rumours. Among men, those in their teens (54.2%) and twenties (51.8%) were more aware of the prophecy, Nippon reported. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting the claim, several tourists from East Asia have cancelled or are reconsidering their trips to Japan. Notably, the manga gained notoriety after it seemingly predicted the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Now, its prophecy of another earthquake has led to increased anxiety among travellers. The Financial Impact of the Earthquake Rumour The manga's author, Ryo Tatsuki, has urged people not to take her predictions too seriously and to rely on expert opinions instead. In a recent interview, she encouraged readers to remain calm and not be overly influenced by her forecasts, opting to trust the views of experts instead. Despite this, the prediction has already started affecting Japan's economy, with airlines like Greater Bay Airlines reducing flights and bookings dropping by 30%. The prophecy has led to a significant drop in travel bookings to the country, particularly from Hong Kong, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Tottori region in southwest Japan has been particularly affected, with a nearly 50% drop in bookings from Hong Kong in May. As a result, Japan's tourism industry could face significant losses due to the rumours, with potential losses estimated at ¥560 billion ($3.9 billion), according to Takahide Kiuchi, an executive economist at Nomura Research Institute. What Are Experts And the Japanese Government Saying? However, experts are urging calm, stating that predicting earthquakes with certainty is currently beyond scientific capabilities. Professor Naoya Sekiya from the University of Tokyo emphasised the importance of preparedness for disasters at any time, rather than focusing on unsubstantiated predictions. Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai also expressed concern over the impact of these rumours on tourism, highlighting the need for verified information. In a press conference, Mr Murai said, "I believe it is a serious issue when the spread of highly unscientific rumours on social media affects tourism." The spread of misinformation online is what Governor Murai said is the root of the problem. The Japan Meteorological Agency posted online: "Any such predictions should be considered unreliable."
