US, Japan, South Korea to hold summit in August: Seoul
South Korean, US, and Japanese leaders will meet in August to enhance military cooperation and counter North Korea’s nuclear threats.
Japan
ASEAN-plus-three to meet on South China Sea, economic ties
Southeast Asian foreign ministers will meet with their Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean counterparts for ASEAN-plus-three talks. The discussions will focus on economic cooperation and the South China Sea dispute, where China’s territorial claims intersect with those of ASEAN members.
The ongoing crisis in Myanmar and ways to address it will also be on the agenda. Additionally, topics such as health cooperation and economic recovery post-pandemic will be discussed. The meetings aim to strengthen regional ties and promote collaboration in various areas among the participating nations.
Japan top court backs transgender woman in toilet case
Japan’s Supreme Court rules in favor of transgender woman’s restroom access, highlighting potential changes in LGBTQ working conditions.
Six feared dead in torrential Japan rain
Six feared dead in Japan’s heavy rains, causing floods and landslides; search and rescue operations underway. Climate change intensifies risks.
One dead as Japan warns of ‘heaviest rain ever’ in southwest
Deadly landslide and widespread evacuations as southwestern Japan faces “heaviest rain ever,” endangering lives and causing devastation.
Japan sea sludge tells story of human impact on Earth
The sediment in Japan’s Beppu Bay is being considered as a “golden spike” location for the Anthropocene epoch, capturing human-induced changes such as nuclear bomb testing, ecosystem shifts, and industrialization.
The bay’s unique characteristics allow for the preservation of diverse anthropogenic markers, offering a precise record of the past century. Its signatures from nuclear tests make it a compelling site. The designation of the Anthropocene serves as a warning for humanity to address the rapid deterioration of the environment.
China bans some Japanese food imports over Fukushima water release
China’s customs authority has announced a ban on food imports from 10 Japanese prefectures due to concerns over Japan’s plan to release treated nuclear wastewater into the ocean. China argues that Japan has unresolved issues regarding the legitimacy of ocean dumping and the reliability of purification equipment.
The plan, approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency, has faced opposition from regional neighbors and fishing communities in Fukushima.
South Korea says respects IAEA approval of Fukushima water release
Despite domestic opposition and protests, South Korea respects the UN atomic agency’s approval of Japan’s plan to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. The South Korean government will provide its analysis once its independent assessment is complete.
IAEA chief reassures Fukushima residents on water release
UN nuclear watchdog meets Fukushima residents to address concerns over the planned release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency assures compliance with global standards but acknowledges remaining concerns.
IAEA endorses Japan plan to release treated Fukushima water
Japan’s plan to release treated water from the Fukushima plant into the sea meets international standards, says the UN watchdog.