TOKYO – The following is the most recent compilation of selected news summaries from Kyodo News.
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TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Thursday that the government’s planned “national intelligence committee” aims to tackle foreign disinformation efforts, as discussions in parliament commenced on a bill to create the new organization.
The legislation is aimed at enhancing the collection of data concerning security and foreign espionage, and improving its use in shaping policies. However, it has raised worries among opposition parties that increased monitoring might violate the right to free expression.
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Japan to collaborate with Saudi Arabia in mediating the Iran conflict
TOKYO – Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi informed his Saudi counterpart on Thursday that Japan will enhance its collaboration with the Middle Eastern nation, which is striving to act as a mediator between Iran and the United States during the continuous conflict in the area.
Motegi was reported by his ministry as stating during a phone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud that Japan will work to achieve a swift resolution to the conflict, while also thanking Riyadh for its efforts in supplying energy to international markets.
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Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy have granted a contract for the creation of a new fighter aircraft.
LONDON – A global entity established by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy to work together on a new generation of fighter jet has granted a 686 million pound ($907 million) contract to Edgewing, a partnership responsible for the design and development of the aircraft, according to the organization on Thursday.
The agreement announced the day before for work on the Global Combat Air Program signifies the beginning of the aircraft’s development phase in a serious manner. This step was originally anticipated by the end of December last year.
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Japan intends to dispatch a business delegation to Russia as early as May.
TOKYO – Japan is considering sending an economic team to Russia as early as May, according to sources familiar with the issue, as Japanese companies prepare to restart their activities in the country once the conflict in Ukraine concludes.
The Japanese government has requested that at least five major trading companies and the shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines participate, as reported by the sources.
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Japan is considering increased tariff-free imports of amberjack as the conflict impacts fuel and shipping costs.
TOKYO – Japan is evaluating the possibility of permitting the duty-free import of bigger amberjack than what is currently allowed, as the nation faces difficulties managing shipping delays due to fuel shortages resulting from the conflict in Iran, according to a person aware of the situation on Thursday.
Ongoing fuel shortages caused by the conflict in the Middle East are starting to cause delays in the delivery of young amberjack fish that measure between 15 and 30 centimeters, which qualify for duty-free imports. The government is considering temporarily increasing the maximum size limit to 50 cm, according to the source.
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The operator of Narita Airport informs the government that land seizure is under consideration.
CHIBA, Japan – The leader of the company that manages Narita airport met with Japan’s transport minister on Thursday to notify him that the firm is contemplating initiating the procedure for forced land acquisition to move forward its delayed project of constructing a new runway and expanding an existing one due to the surge in international visitors.
Naoki Fujii, the head of Narita International Airport Corp., also informed Yasushi Kaneko that the scheduled opening of the new and expanded runways in March 2029 may face delays because of challenges in acquiring land.
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The Japanese imperial couple greet French President Macron and his wife in Tokyo.
TOKYO – Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Empress Masako welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron along with his wife Brigitte at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Thursday, signifying the initial encounter between the two pairs since June 2019.
As per the Imperial Household Agency, the gathering lasted approximately 20 minutes and was succeeded by a lunch. The French presidential pair was received by the imperial couple at the entrance, where they shared smiles and exchanged handshakes.
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Baseball: Yamamoto suffers his first defeat of the season as the Dodgers are defeated by the Guardians
LOS ANGELES – Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six strong innings, allowing two runs, but suffered his first defeat of the year as the Los Angeles Dodgers lost 4-1 to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday.
Yamamoto (1-1) pitched two scoreless innings at Dodger Stadium before giving up a double to outfielder Daniel Schneemann, who then stole third base. Schneemann later scored when Dodgers catcher Will Smith made a throwing error.
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Video: Full blooming cherry trees on Mt. Yoshino in Nara
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