Latest news with #Takano
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Democratic rep claims Mamdani isn't a socialist but an 'advocate' for capitalism
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., insisted on Wednesday that self-proclaimed democratic socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was not a socialist but an advocate for small "c" capitalism. Takano spoke to reporters on Mamdani shortly after attending a breakfast meeting with him and other Democrats in Washington D.C. where he expressed enthusiasm for the candidate's ideas. "You know, the overall impression on me was this guy is not a communist," Takano said. "He's not a socialist. He's an advocate for small 'c' capitalism. And that you know, he really is fighting for the little business guy that's trying to eke out a living in New York. Half of all New Yorkers, you know, get their jobs from small business. And I thought that was a tremendous message." Politifact Declares Zohran Mamdani Is Not A Communist In Fact-check Of Trump Though Takano said Mamdani was not a socialist, he later defended the term, arguing that the word has a "different charge" for people under 40. "He's a democratic socialist that he's fighting for small business people, trying to bring down stupid regulations, criticizing Eric Adams for not moving permits faster," Takano said. "It's corruption we're fighting here, corruption that prevents the dynamism of small 'c' entrepreneurs, small 'c' capitalist entrepreneurs. No contradiction there, trying to get buses to run more efficiently and faster. These are all things that are improving people's lives." Read On The Fox News App He hesitated to answer whether he supported Mamdani's idea for city-run supermarkets but remarked that "there's not a lot of difference between the idea of some sort of public-run grocery and a co-op." Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's campaign for comment. Zohran Mamdani's 'Free' Promises Are Too Good To Be True, Young Conservatives Warn Mamdani has repeatedly referred to himself as a democratic socialist and remarked in June on CNN that he had "many critiques of capitalism." Though Mamdani has refuted the idea that he was a communist, several videos have resurfaced of him repeating and supporting communist revolutionary language. One recent clip that made the rounds on social media had Mamdani openly supporting the abolition of private property. "If there was any system that could guarantee each person housing, whether you call it the abolition of private property or you call it, you know, just a statewide housing guarantee, it is preferable to what is going on right now," Mamdani article source: Democratic rep claims Mamdani isn't a socialist but an 'advocate' for capitalism Solve the daily Crossword
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Expo 2025 Osaka elevates Japan-Malaysia economic relations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Expo 2025 Osaka serves as a launchpad for deeper cooperation in key economic sectors, proving to be a significant platform for enhancing economic relations between Japan and Malaysia, according to the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). JETRO Kuala Lumpur managing director Koichi Takano noted that the expo presents a great opportunity to elevate cooperation between Japan and Malaysia to a new level as it opens up a long-term investment space that will continue to deliver benefits. "Looking ahead, JETRO anticipates robust growth in investment across decarbonisation, renewable energy, digital technology, the halal sector and high-value services. "Malaysia's role as the ASEAN chair in 2025 is expected to further accelerate cooperation, particularly through its involvement in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative championed by Japan," he told Bernama. The AZEC Summit, scheduled to be held in Malaysia this year, marks a significant milestone in energy collaboration between the two countries. According to Takano, the ongoing negotiation of the Joint Crediting Mechanism is expected to unlock more opportunities for Japanese environmental technologies to be applied in Malaysia. "JETRO has compiled a catalogue of Japanese companies contributing to decarbonisation and is actively supporting their expansion in the Malaysian market. "These efforts are complemented by growing investment interest in consumer-related sectors such as food products, healthcare, education and Japanese lifestyle services," he noted. To unlock the full potential of Japan-Malaysia trade ties in the coming decade, Takano stressed that strengthening the existing relationship of trust is the most critical step. He said Japan, once Malaysia's largest investor, retains strong ties with the country, and JETRO remains committed to serving as a bridge for future cooperation. "Economic security, energy transition and resilient supply chains are shared priorities. Building on our longstanding trust, we can create lasting partnerships that benefit both nations. "JETRO will continue to lead efforts in business matching, market entry support and strategic engagement, ensuring Japanese companies remain active and invested in Malaysia's future," he said. Japanese firms sees Malaysia as a hub In addition, Takano said Japanese companies are also taking advantage of strategic tax incentives and increasingly considering Malaysia for regional headquarters. He believed that Malaysia's attractiveness is further enhanced by its competitive cost base and growing role in regional value chains. "JETRO is playing a key role in supporting these developments by providing updated information on policies, investment incentives and strategic sector opportunities. "With Malaysia's current economic growth at 5.1 per cent, compared with 3.6 per cent the previous year, Japanese firms are showing increased confidence in the local market," he added. The organisation's 2024 Business Conditions Survey revealed that profitability among Japanese companies in Malaysia continues to exceed the ASEAN average – attributable to strong performance in manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as electrical and electronics, food processing, transport equipment and general machinery. Takano explained that Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have long contributed to Malaysia's manufacturing sector and continue to evolve with the changing economic landscape. He expressed optimism that extending local SME support schemes to Japanese SMEs could further strengthen their resilience and integration. TVET reform a shared challenge In addressing workforce development, JETRO acknowledged the Malaysian government's efforts through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms as Japan also faces similar labour challenges and is responding by promoting robotics, artificial intelligence and strategic foreign workforce integration. He emphasised that these shared challenges require long-term commitment, continuous dialogue and policy coordination. "Malaysia's Look East Policy has played a key role in fostering bilateral understanding, with more than 28,000 Malaysians having studied in Japan to date. "Collaboration in education also continues through institutions such as the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology and the University of Tsukuba Malaysia," he noted.
The Star
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Trial challenging Japan's 'hostage justice' opens
Tokyo district court in Tokyo, Japan. - Photo: Reuters file TOKYO: A trial challenging Japan's lengthy and gruelling detention of criminal suspects opened in Tokyo Wednesday (July 9), with plaintiffs decrying "subhuman" treatment they say ignores the presumption of innocence. Campaigners argue that lengthy pre-trial detention is meted out too easily in Japan, especially if suspects remain silent or refuse to confess. The lawsuit is challenging the constitutionality of the system of "hostage justice" in which confessions become a de-facto condition for their release. The term was globally popularised by ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's 2018 arrest and months-long detention, with international rights groups having also repeatedly criticised it in the past. The new lawsuit challenges Japanese judges' ability to "rubber-stamp" detentions, and to reject bail without demonstrating "probable cause" that evidence will be destroyed, according to lead lawyer Takashi Takano. Detained 24/7, those who maintain their innocence are often "deprived of their freedom, assets and lives ahead" even before trial starts or guilty verdicts are issued, Takano told a gathering after the first hearing Wednesday. Pre-indictment detention can last up to 23 days, extendable by multiple rearrests. Only after indictment does bail become possible, but the option is often dismissed if the accused denies the charges, campaigners say. One of the plaintiffs is Tomoya Asanuma, who last year was held in police custody for nearly four months over charges he was ultimately acquitted of. "It was like I was in a zoo cage, being fed food through a small window", Asanuma said after the hearing, recalling life "with no privacy". "They treated me like I was subhuman." There are "many of those who succumbed (to detention) and falsely confessed in favour of immediate release, with their names forever soiled as former criminals," Takano said. This, critics say, partly helps explain why Japan has long maintained astonishingly high conviction rates of more than 99 percent. Proponents, meanwhile, attribute the nearly perfect conviction rates to "precision justice", where prosecutors only pursue airtight cases they are confident about winning. The justice ministry declined to comment on Takano's lawsuit when contacted by AFP ahead of the opening of the trial. It however said the confinement of suspects and defendants, as well as the denial of bail, were ordered "based on the law and evidence, and in a fair manner". - AFP
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Trial challenging Japan's 'hostage justice' opens
A trial challenging Japan's lengthy and gruelling detention of criminal suspects opened in Tokyo Wednesday, with plaintiffs decrying "subhuman" treatment they say ignores the presumption of innocence. Campaigners argue that lengthy pre-trial detention is meted out too easily in Japan, especially if suspects remain silent or refuse to confess. AI- generated image TOKYO: A trial challenging Japan's lengthy and gruelling detention of criminal suspects opened in Tokyo Wednesday, with plaintiffs decrying "subhuman" treatment they say ignores the presumption of innocence. Campaigners argue that lengthy pre-trial detention is meted out too easily in Japan, especially if suspects remain silent or refuse to confess. The lawsuit is challenging the constitutionality of the system of "hostage justice" in which confessions become a de-facto condition for their release. The term was globally popularised by ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's 2018 arrest and months-long detention, with international rights groups having also repeatedly criticised it in the past. The new lawsuit challenges Japanese judges' ability to "rubber-stamp" detentions, and to reject bail without demonstrating "probable cause" that evidence will be destroyed, according to lead lawyer Takashi Takano. Detained 24/7, those who maintain their innocence are often "deprived of their freedom, assets and lives ahead" even before trial starts or guilty verdicts are issued, Takano told a gathering after the first hearing Wednesday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Pre-indictment detention can last up to 23 days, extendable by multiple rearrests. Only after indictment does bail become possible, but the option is often dismissed if the accused denies the charges, campaigners say. One of the plaintiffs is Tomoya Asanuma, who last year was held in police custody for nearly four months over charges he was ultimately acquitted of. "It was like I was in a zoo cage, being fed food through a small window", Asanuma said after the hearing, recalling life "with no privacy". "They treated me like I was subhuman." There are "many of those who succumbed (to detention) and falsely confessed in favour of immediate release, with their names forever soiled as former criminals," Takano said. This, critics say, partly helps explain why Japan has long maintained astonishingly high conviction rates of more than 99 percent. Proponents, meanwhile, attribute the nearly perfect conviction rates to "precision justice", where prosecutors only pursue airtight cases they are confident about winning. The justice ministry declined to comment on Takano's lawsuit when contacted by AFP ahead of the opening of the trial. It however said the confinement of suspects and defendants, as well as the denial of bail, were ordered "based on the law and evidence, and in a fair manner".
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Trial challenging Japan's ‘hostage justice' opens
TOKYO: A trial challenging Japan's lengthy and gruelling detention of criminal suspects opened in Tokyo Wednesday, with plaintiffs decrying 'subhuman' treatment they say ignores the presumption of innocence. Campaigners argue that lengthy pre-trial detention is meted out too easily in Japan, especially if suspects remain silent or refuse to confess. The lawsuit is challenging the constitutionality of the system of 'hostage justice' in which confessions become a de-facto condition for their release. The term was globally popularised by ex-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn's 2018 arrest and months-long detention, with international rights groups having also repeatedly criticised it in the past. The new lawsuit challenges Japanese judges' ability to 'rubber-stamp' detentions, and to reject bail without demonstrating 'probable cause' that evidence will be destroyed, according to lead lawyer Takashi Takano. Detained 24/7, those who maintain their innocence are often 'deprived of their freedom, assets and lives ahead' even before trial starts or guilty verdicts are issued, Takano told a gathering after the first hearing Wednesday. Pre-indictment detention can last up to 23 days, extendable by multiple rearrests. Only after indictment does bail become possible, but the option is often dismissed if the accused denies the charges, campaigners say. One of the plaintiffs is Tomoya Asanuma, who last year was held in police custody for nearly four months over charges he was ultimately acquitted of. 'It was like I was in a zoo cage, being fed food through a small window', Asanuma said after the hearing, recalling life 'with no privacy'. 'They treated me like I was subhuman.' There are 'many of those who succumbed (to detention) and falsely confessed in favour of immediate release, with their names forever soiled as former criminals,' Takano said. This, critics say, partly helps explain why Japan has long maintained astonishingly high conviction rates of more than 99 percent. Proponents, meanwhile, attribute the nearly perfect conviction rates to 'precision justice', where prosecutors only pursue airtight cases they are confident about winning. The justice ministry declined to comment on Takano's lawsuit when contacted by AFP ahead of the opening of the trial. It however said the confinement of suspects and defendants, as well as the denial of bail, were ordered 'based on the law and evidence, and in a fair manner'. – AFP
