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TOKYO – The following is the most recent compilation of selected news summaries from Kyodo News.

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Japanese Prime Minister states intention to pursue diplomatic initiatives regarding Venezuela’s stability and democracy.

TOKYO – Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Sunday that Japan will pursue diplomatic initiatives to restore democracy in Venezuela and bring stability to the region, following the U.S. capture of the South American nation’s President Nicolas Maduro in a military action the previous day.

Takaichi stated on social media that Japan has “long upheld core values and principles like freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.” She mentioned that Tokyo will collaborate closely with other Group of Seven members and relevant countries concerning the situation in Venezuela.

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North Korea launches two ballistic missiles, with no damage reported, according to the Japanese government.

TOKYO/SEOUL – North Korea fired at least two ballistic missiles towards the east on Sunday, which apparently landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, with no damage to vessels or aircraft reported, as stated by the Japanese government, marking the first such missile activity in nearly two months.

The launches occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for a four-day trip to China, where he is set to engage in summit discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday. During their meeting in Beijing, the two leaders are anticipated to address topics such as North Korea’s nuclear program.

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Trump claims the U.S. will take control of Venezuela following Maduro’s capture in a military operation

WASHINGTON – The United States detained Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro during a pre-dawn military action on Saturday, with plans to govern the oil-rich nation until a power transition can take place, according to President Donald Trump. This marks the end of months of pressure on the South American leader due to accusations of drug trafficking and criminal connections.

Trump stated that the Venezuelan leader and his wife, who were transported out of their country to New York, will be charged with crimes in the United States, calling Maduro an “unlawful dictator” and accusing him of being “responsible for smuggling large quantities of dangerous and illegal drugs into the United States.”

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Tea leaves spilled on the road lead to a multi-vehicle accident in eastern Japan, resulting in one death.

UTSUNOMIYA, Japan – A collision involving over 10 vehicles on a national road in eastern Japan resulted in one fatality early Sunday, according to police. The accident occurred after tea leaves fell from a moving truck, causing cars following it to lose control.

The incident occurred on a two-lane road in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, following tea leaves spreading across a 500-meter section of the road.

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Baseball: Right-handed pitcher Takahashi to stay with Japan’s Lions

TOKYO – The Seibu Lions stated on Sunday that they have finalized a new contract with right-handed pitcher Kona Takahashi, who had been attempting to transition to Major League Baseball this off-season via the posting system.

The choice was made less than 24 hours prior to the deadline for Takahashi to finalize a contract with an MLB team.

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Japan is utilizing Saudi-produced coral skeletons from the expo for marine conservation efforts.

OSAKA – Japanese universities are working to revive coral reefs and marine environments, having taken over artificial coral structures created by Saudi Arabia and displayed at this year’s World Exposition in Osaka.

Coral skeletons, provided to the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa and Kansai University in Osaka Prefecture, consist of calcium carbonate, a substance that is thought to facilitate coral growth more effectively than other artificial options like concrete or metal.

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Non-Japanese residents account for 9.5% of individuals in their 20s in Japan.

TOKYO – According to a Kyodo News analysis of government data released on Saturday, foreign residents accounted for 9.5 percent of individuals in their 20s in Japan in 2025, nearly doubling the 4.1 percent recorded in 2015. This increase underscores their possible contribution to maintaining the nation’s social welfare system as the number of young Japanese citizens continues to decline.

The percentage could increase further since the government has submitted a draft proposal to a group of specialists, aiming to approve approximately 426,000 foreign employees over two years starting from fiscal 2027, in an effort to address the labor deficit.

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FOCUS: The conclusion of Japan’s 26-year governing coalition compels Komeito to reconsider its future

TOKYO – The conclusion of Japan’s 26-year ruling coalition, just prior to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assuming her role in October, will compel the centrist Komeito party, which has historically held more influence than its size suggests, to reevaluate its political direction outside of government by 2026.

At the heart of its support network is diminishing due to Japan’s aging society and the public’s growing right-wing views on matters like security, Komeito could experience a crucial year, deciding whether to strengthen ties with left-oriented parties or maintain a more balanced position.

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