Latest from Japan Forward
Japan Forward
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Kosei Inoue: Advancing Judo and Sports in Innovative Ways
In Japan, the arrival of summer break signals the start of the national tournament season. Back in my junior high and high school days, I too competed in national tournaments, going head-to-head with athletes from across the country. Once again in 2025, we can expect passionate judo matches from young judoka nationwide. To all junior high and high school judoka: Face difficulties with courage, aim high, and give your all in every match. New Challenges with the IJF Recently, I've taken on a few new challenges of my own. One is my appointment as a sport director of the International Judo Federation (IJF). In June, I was elected to the IJF Executive Committee at a board meeting in Budapest. From here on, I'll be working with the global judo family in this new capacity. As sport director, I will oversee the Olympic Games and IJF-hosted events, such as the World Judo Championships and Grand Slam tournaments. I will also collaborate with organizations, including the International Olympic Committee, and continental federations, like the Judo Union of Asia. Additionally, I plan to work closely with national judo federations to strengthen international ties. The International Judo Federation currently has 205 member countries and regions. That number surpasses the 193 United Nations member states as of July 2025. It means even more nations are connected through judo than through the UN. This fact alone shows just how widely judo is embraced and its essential significance across the world. I believe my role is to help create an environment that enables athletes to perform at their best. Through this work, I hope to further enhance the global appeal and deeper value of judo. My primary workplace in this role will be at IJF-hosted events around the world. And I hope to see you at one of these venues! A scene from the IJF General Assembly. After being elected to the board, I immediately joined the meeting. Presentations by national representatives were all highly engaging. (©NPO JUDOs) Different Roles, One Mission: Giving Back Through Sports Meanwhile, I've also been entrusted with new responsibilities here in Japan. I now serve as an executive board member of both the All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF) and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC). At the AJJF, I intend to take a broad view of judo development nationwide and devote myself to its continued growth and promotion. President Shinichi Nakamura has asked me to "ensure strong collaboration with the IJF," and I will dedicate myself fully to this mission. At the JOC, I will take on athlete development. I have experienced the Olympic Games firsthand — as an athlete, a coach, and a head coach. In 2024, I also served as deputy chef de mission for the Japanese team at the Paris Olympics. Drawing on these experiences, I aim to help raise athlete performance with the goal of winning Olympic medals. At the same time, I will work to create a safe, supportive training environment where coaches and staff can focus on their work. I'll support the next generation and help shape a training system that leverages the latest technology. Through these efforts, I hope to build a vibrant and inspiring TEAM JAPAN — one that earns the support and cheers of people across the country. Each of these roles comes with great responsibility, but to me, they are all connected. No matter the title, my mission remains the same. As a judoka, I want to give back to society by sharing the knowledge and insights I've gained through my judo journey. Through sports, I hope to contribute to a better society and a more peaceful world — transcending nationality, race, and religion. With this purpose in my heart, I will devote myself to each role, one step at a time. RELATED: (Read the column in Japanese.) Kosei Inoue President, Certified NPO JUDOs 井上康生 理事長, 認定NPO法人 JUDOs Author: Kosei Inoue Learn more about the sport of judo and Kosei Inoue, former Olympic gold medalist and former national men's team judo coach who now serves in key positions for All Japan Judo Federation, on the website of JUDOs, a certified Japanese NPO. And find further columns by and about Kosei Inoue in English on JAPAN Forward and SportsLook.
Japan Forward
15 hours ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Can Alaska LNG Tip the Scales in Japan–US Tariff Talks?
As negotiations between Japan and the United States over President Donald Trump's tariffs intensify, a US liquefied natural gas (LNG) project is viewed as Tokyo's trump card. The project involves a 1,300-kilometer pipeline running from the North Slope gas field in northern Alaska down through the state to a newly constructed liquefaction plant. Once completed, it could supply 20 million tons of LNG annually to Japan and other East Asian countries. The concept itself has existed for a long time, but the primary obstacle has been the enormous cost. Estimated at $44 billion USD (over ¥6 trillion JPY), the project is more than twice as expensive as another LNG project currently underway in Texas. With rising material prices, the cost is expected to increase even further as the project undergoes additional review. If the project's costs are passed on to LNG prices, it could lead to "high prices" for the consumers. Scheduled to begin operations in 2030, after Trump's tenure, the project faces uncertainties. Takafumi Yanagisawa, senior researcher at The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan, points out that "the risk of policy changes following a change in administration must be carefully considered." There are clear advantages for Japan. Currently, most US-produced LNG is shipped from Gulf Coast terminals, taking roughly 30 days via the Panama Canal and about 40 days via the Cape of Good Hope. In contrast, LNG shipped from Alaska can reach Japan in under 10 days. US-produced LNG, including but not limited to that from Alaska, has another advantage: it does not contain a "destination clause" restricting resale to third parties. A tanker loaded with liquefied natural gas (LNG) arrives at a pier. (©Sankei) Japan's LNG procurement is based on long-term contracts that ensure a stable supply of a fixed volume over an extended period. But even if demand falls, such as during a warm winter, the contracted amount must still be purchased. Since US LNG contracts lack a destination clause, any surplus can be resold to other countries, helping Japan mitigate the risk of excess supply. JERA company of Japan signs Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) agreement at the U.S. Department of Energy headquarters in Washington, D.C. on June 11, 2025. (©US Department of Interior) Private companies are already expanding their procurement of US LNG. JERA, Japan's largest thermal power producer, has signed contracts with four American companies to purchase up to 5.5 million tons of LNG annually. While diversifying supply sources is the primary goal, another important factor is that "the contracts offer greater flexibility" compared to LNG imports from the Middle East, says Mineko Hida, general manager of JERA's LNG Division. JERA has also expressed interest in the Alaska LNG project. At a press conference in late June, Chairman Yukio Kani praised the concept as "very good." He emphasized the short transport time to Japan and the absence of geopolitical risks along the route, such as those linked to the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. JERA is reportedly closely monitoring the ongoing review of the project plan. US LNG currently accounts for about 10% of Japan's total LNG imports. With global demand for LNG expected to continue rising, increasing imports from the US will also help strengthen the country's energy security. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US President Donald Trump meet in the Oval Office, the White House, on February 7. (©Prime Minister's Office) In the Japan-US tariff negotiations, differences persist over issues such as automobile tariffs. President Trump has repeatedly labeled trade with Japan in automobiles as "unfair." However, increasing imports of American cars, which are unpopular among Japanese consumers, or reducing Japan's automobile exports, is unrealistic. If Japan concedes too easily, it risks encouraging repeated unreasonable demands. The Japanese government should therefore approach the negotiations with firmness and persistence. On the other hand, if Washington remains focused on correcting the trade imbalance, no argument about the contributions of Japanese companies to the American economy is likely to sway President Trump. The only way to break the deadlock is by expanding imports of US products that also benefit Japan. While the Alaska LNG project won't immediately reduce the US trade deficit, advancing this initiative with Japan's involvement — one of Trump's pet projects — could have a positive impact. President Donald J. Trump participates in a walking tour of Cameron LNG Export Terminal Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in Hackberry, La. (©White House/Shealah Craighead) In early June, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry sent Takehiko Matsuo, the Vice Minister for International Affairs, to a US government briefing on the Alaska LNG project. While it's clear the government is considering the project as a bargaining chip, another senior Ministry official expressed caution, stating, "LNG prices are directly linked to electricity and gas rates. If the price is high, we simply won't buy it. It all depends on economic viability." So how should Japan engage with the risky Alaska LNG project? Yanagisawa stresses that if Japan decides to participate, "government involvement is essential." He suggests that development support through the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) could be considered to help keep LNG prices affordable. Should it prove difficult for Japan to take on the project alone, another option would be to share the investment burden with other Asian LNG-importing countries and regions, such as South Korea and Taiwan. "If it's economically viable, then we should do it," the senior METI official said, without ruling out the possibility. Can we leverage the few cards we hold as negotiation tools to break the deadlock? Now is the time to apply wisdom and safeguard Japan's national interests. Author: Shunichi Takahashi, The Sankei Shimbun ( Read this in Japanese )
Japan Forward
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Election Success for Chinese-born Critic of Japan's China Policy
このページを 日本語 で読む In Japan's House of Councillors election on July 20, it was confirmed the following day that Seki Hei, a 63-year-old political commentator and first-time candidate, had secured a seat. He ran under the proportional representation system as a candidate for Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party). Seki Hei is also a JAPAN Forward contributor with his own column, China Watch. Born in China, Seki faced a barrage of abuse over his candidacy. But throughout the campaign, he stood firm, declaring he would not "succumb to slander." Seki was born in 1962 in Sichuan Province. He became disillusioned with the Chinese government following the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, and later cut ties with China mentally and ideologically. In 2007, he became a naturalized Japanese citizen. People march through central London on June 4, 2023, to mourn the victims of the Tiananmen Massacre in China 34 years earlier. (© Kyodo) During the campaign, Seki called for constitutional reform, a tougher stance on China, stricter naturalization laws, and stronger measures to curb mass immigration. All of this, he said, was "to protect Japan." He initially announced his candidacy with Ishin in February 2025 but withdrew after facing a wave of slander and personal attacks. However, he later reversed course, saying, "I realized I must not give in to slander," and decided to run after all. When Seki re-declared his candidacy in June, he pointed to Japan's China policy, especially under the leadership of Shigeru Ishiba, as a major concern. "Japanese politics isn't responding," he said. "It's unbearable to watch. I felt I had no choice but to step up." As for why he chose to run with Ishin, Sekii explained that the party's platform matched his own views. He added that Osaka Governor and Ishin leader Hirofumi Yoshimura shared his concerns about China's growing hegemonic threat to Japan. Author: The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Emperor and Empress Conclude Historic Mongolia Trip
On July 11, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the opening ceremony of Naadam, Mongolia's largest national festival. They watched traditional archery events and participated in shagai , a game in which animal bones are flicked with the fingers to hit a target. When Empress Masako successfully hit a high-scoring target, the audience erupted in applause. Empress Masako playing shagai, a traditional game in which animal bones are flicked at a target — afternoon of July 11, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. On July 12, Their Majesties observed the festival's main event: horse racing. They applauded enthusiastically as children rode horses across the course. His Majesty also took photographs with his personal camera. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress tour the information center at Hustai National Park — afternoon of July 12, Töv Province, Mongolia. Later that day, the Emperor and Empress visited Hustai National Park to observe a herd of Przewalski's horses, considered the world's oldest breed of wild horse. They were invited to name a foal. Emperor Naruhito chose "Tomo" (Friend), while Empress Masako chose "Ai" (Love). Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress observe Przewalski's horses at Hustai National Park — afternoon of July 12, Töv Province, Mongolia. On July 13, the imperial couple concluded their 8-day trip with a meeting with President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh at the presidential residence. That evening, they returned to Japan aboard the government aircraft. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and officials. The couple exchanged friendly words with those who came to greet them. After their return, Their Majesties released a statement reflecting on the trip: "We sincerely hope that the friendship and cooperative relationship between Japan and Mongolia will continue to deepen." Although His Majesty had previously visited Mongolia in 2007 as Crown Prince, this was their first visit as a couple. They described the journey as a "very memorable experience." Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress depart from Chinggis Khaan International Airport — afternoon of July 13, outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa) They also spoke about their visit to a memorial for Japanese internees who were held in Mongolia by the Soviet Union after World War II. His Majesty remarked, "It reminded us of the importance of never forgetting those who perished in the war, deepening our understanding of the past, and fostering a spirit that cherishes peace." On July 14, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, father of the current emperor, was admitted to the University of Tokyo Hospital. He began a new treatment for asymptomatic myocardial ischemia and related conditions. Empress Emerita Michiko accompanied him. According to the Imperial Household Agency, doctors have prescribed a new oral medication to ease the strain on his heart. His condition will be closely monitored through tests such as electrocardiograms as physicians adjust the dosage. On July 11, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and their family visited the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Meguro Ward. They viewed the exhibition Hiroshima 1945 , which marks 80 years since the atomic bombing. The exhibition featured around 160 photographs, including images taken shortly after the bombing by news agencies and others. Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, with their second daughter Princess Kako and son Prince Hisahito, view the "Hiroshima 1945" exhibition — morning of July 11, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Meguro Ward, Tokyo. While viewing a photo taken near the hypocenter, Prince Fumihito remarked, "The blast must have been extremely powerful." According to a museum guide, their second daughter, Princess Kako, also reflected, "I could sense the inner conflict the photographers must have felt as they took these pictures." On July 15 and 16, Princess Kiko visited Miyagi Prefecture to attend several events, including the 61st National Convention for Promoting Blood Donation. On July 16, she visited the Akiu Kagayaki Support School in Sendai City, where she visited Doma Café, a space designed for interaction and learning between students and local residents. She also toured the Tohoku History Museum in Tagajo City. On July 15 in Sendai City, Crown Princess Kiko speaks with students at Doma Café of Miyagi Prefectural Akiu Kagayaki Support School. Later that day, she attended the national blood donation convention at Sendai Sunplaza Hall. In her remarks, she stated, "To ensure a stable supply of blood in the future, it is important for younger generations to understand and participate in blood donation." Also on July 14, Princess Hisako attended the 38th Advanced Technology Award for Pioneering Originality ceremony, held at the Meiji Kinenkan in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The award recognizes outstanding achievements by students in science and engineering, as well as by young corporate researchers. Her Imperial Highness offered words of praise to the recipients. On July 14 at Meiji Kinenkan in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo, Princess Hisako delivers remarks at the 38th Advanced Technology Award ceremony. (©Sankei by Takumi Kamoshita) ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun
Japan Forward
21 hours ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Rapidus Ushers in New Era with Operational 2nm Chip Prototype
このページを 日本語 で読む On July 18, Rapidus, the company spearheading Japan's efforts to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, hosted a customer event at a hotel in Chitose, Hokkaido. The venue was located near the site of the company's semiconductor manufacturing facility, which is currently under construction. Speaking at a press conference beforehand, President and CEO Atsuyoshi Koike announced that the pilot production line, launched in April 2025, was running smoothly. He also revealed that the company had successfully confirmed the operation of a prototype 2-nanometer semiconductor chip. This marks a major milestone in Japan's semiconductor ambitions. Chairman Tetsuro Higashi of Rapidus, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki, and Chitose Mayor Ryuichi Yokota also attended the press conference. President Koike underscored the significance of the achievement, calling the 2-nanometer prototype Japan's first and a groundbreaking milestone. "We achieved this at an unprecedented speed," he said. Looking ahead, he stated that Rapidus will continue refining the chip with the goal of entering mass production by 2027. Attendees at the press conference (from left) Rapidus Chairman Tetsuro Higashi, President and CEO Atsuyoshi Koike, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki, and Chitose Mayor Ryuichi Yokota. July 18, Chitose City, Hokkaido (©Sankei by Takahiro Sakamoto) Governor Suzuki expressed strong optimism, stating, "Today marks a major milestone in the history of Hokkaido's semiconductor industry." He also affirmed his commitment to ongoing support. On the same day, members of the media were given a tour of the new IIM-1 factory, which is now approximately 80% complete. The customer event at the hotel drew around 200 participants, including suppliers and prospective business partners from around the world. Author: Takahiro Sakamoto, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
