Minoru Kihara

China imposes export controls on dozens of Japanese entities in response to Japan's alleged militarism.

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan, causing no significant damage.

China detained two Japanese citizens in May-June on suspicion of smuggling prohibited rare earth materials, escalating tensions between the nations amid Beijing's export controls and disputes over Taiwan and military cooperation.

A Japan-linked vessel successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz after a three-month blockade, with Tokyo pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure passage for 38 remaining ships carrying approximately 900 people amid critical energy security concerns.

Japan welcomed the U.S.-Iran memorandum ending their monthslong Middle East war, pledging maximum reconstruction aid while urging swift implementation, Strait of Hormuz restoration, and nuclear agreement resolution to ensure regional stability.

Japan's government vowed to intervene in currency markets anytime as the yen weakened to two-year lows despite spending record 11.7 trillion yen in April-May interventions, with the BOJ's rate hike failing to counter Fed hawkishness.

Japanese PM’s Taiwan comments prompt China to ban certain exports to Japan

Wall Street mixed, European stocks gain as Broadcom drags tech; oil dips

Japan rejects Taiwan’s demand for talks over delimitation with Philippines

Typhoon Jangmi injures 16 and cancels 600 flights in Japan.

Japan's population declined by a record 2.5 percent in five years, citing demographic challenges.

Trump's First Post-Summit Call Went to Takaichi, U.S. Envoy Says

Japan and China tensions escalate amid embassy break-in and upcoming Trump-Xi meeting.

US allies in Asia build middle-power coalitions amid US unreliability and China's rise.

Japan's cabinet approved historic restrictions removal on weapons exports, allowing arms sales abroad for the first time since World War II to strengthen its defense industrial base and regional security amid evolving threats.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet removed most weapons export restrictions, allowing Japan to sell arms internationally for the first time since World War II, aiming to strengthen its defense industrial base amid regional security concerns.

Japan's cabinet lifted its postwar ban on lethal weapons exports, enabling sales of warships, combat drones, and fighter jets to allied nations, fundamentally shifting defense policy amid Chinese and North Korean security concerns.

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's northern coast, with no tsunami warning issued.

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan with no tsunami warning issued.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned Japan's shift toward militarism, lifting defense export restrictions on fighter jets and missiles, while calling for expanded nuclear capabilities to counter perceived threats from the US and South Korea.

A Japan-linked vessel successfully exited the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after a three-month blockade eased, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirming the passage while 38 Japanese-related ships remained detained in the critical energy chokepoint.

The yen hit a 23-month low and the Nikkei 225 broke 71,000 for the first time on Thursday.

Japan's Nikkei 225 index surged 4.99% and South Korea's KOSPI rose 5.20% Monday following U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement news, reflecting market confidence despite uncertainties about implementation and regional stability restoration.

Prime Minister Takaichi announced Japan's policy shift on April 21, 2026, allowing arms exports to strengthen security partnerships with allies amid regional threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, while maintaining constitutional constraints on defence.

Typhoon Jangmi hits Japan's Pacific coast, injuring dozens and causing flooding and mudslides.

Iran launched missiles and drones at Bahrain and Kuwait, but US Central Command reported all attacks were successfully intercepted with no American casualties or damage, denying Iranian claims of striking the Fifth Fleet headquarters.

Tropical storm Jangmi injures 9 in Japan, leaving thousands without power.

Japan's population dropped to 123 million in 2025, a record five-year decline of over three million people.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent endorsed Bank of Japan rate hikes, potentially easing political resistance from Japan's dovish government to support a June interest rate increase from 0.75% to 1%.

Japan relaxes arms export rules, allowing sales of decommissioned navy destroyers to allied nations.

US intel report calls Japan PM's Taiwan remarks 'significant shift'

Japan's Cabinet lifted its decades-old ban on lethal weapons exports Tuesday, enabling sales of fighter jets and combat drones to strengthen its defense industry amid rising Chinese and North Korean threats, while critics argue the shift violates its pacifist constitution.

Japan's Cabinet lifted its postwar ban on lethal weapons exports, approving sales of fighter jets, missiles, and warships to strengthen its defense industry amid regional security concerns from China and North Korea.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi removed most weapons export restrictions, allowing the nation to sell arms internationally for the first time since World War II, aiming to strengthen its defense industrial base amid regional security threats from China and North Korea.

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit northern Japan with no serious damage reported.

China detains two Japanese nationals for alleged rare earths smuggling last month.

Japan Denies Joining NATO PURL Program for Ukraine Support

The US dollar hits a 1-year high as rival currencies drop amid rate-hike prospects.

Japan welcomed a U.S.-Iran war ceasefire deal and pledged reconstruction aid; Emperor Naruhito promoted Japan-Netherlands peace cooperation; North Korea and China coordinated criticism of Japanese militarism; G7 leaders committed to diversifying critical mineral supplies away from China dependence.

Takaichi and Starmer use talks to push Japan-U.K. ties toward ‘quasi-alliance’

Japan rejects U.S. intel assessment that Takaichi's Taiwan remarks represent 'significant shift'

Severe tropical storm Jangmi drenches Tokyo, causing floods and travel disruptions.

Taiwan seeks consultation with Japan and Philippines on maritime talks to protect its rights and interests.

Tropical storm Jangmi injures 9 in Japan, leaving thousands without power.

Japan is well-placed to lead efforts to halt space militarization due to its space capabilities and non-proliferation support.

American allies assessed Trump's trip to China to meet Xi.

Japan relaxed its 80-year arms export ban in April 2026, now allowing lethal weapons sales to 17 defense partners. Multiple nations, including potentially the Philippines, are interested in Japan's decommissioned Navy destroyers to counter regional threats like China's South China Sea expansion.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visits Vietnam and Australia in May to advance Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy, emphasizing energy security, AI cooperation, and regional resilience against China's expanding influence.

Japan's Cabinet ended its postwar ban on lethal weapons exports, permitting sales of fighter jets, missiles, and destroyers to 17 allied nations, marking a historic defense policy shift amid regional security tensions.

Japan's Cabinet lifted its postwar ban on lethal weapons exports, enabling sales of fighter jets, missiles, and destroyers to strengthen its defense industry amid rising Chinese and North Korean threats, with Australia and other allies welcoming the policy shift.