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Japan

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LGBTQ activists condemn Japan’s ‘meaningless’ equality bill

Critics argue that a new equality bill submitted to Japan’s parliament is a “meaningless gesture” as lawmakers diluted its language. LGBTQ activists claim the bill fails to address discrimination adequately, while conservative politicians fear it could deepen divisions or lead to malicious lawsuits. The bill’s revisions, including changes regarding transgender discrimination, have faced significant opposition, raising doubts about its eventual debate and passage. Japan remains the only G7 country without recognition of same-sex unions and lacks specific anti-LGBTQ discrimination laws. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has faced pressure to enhance legal protections ahead of the G7 summit.

Two more handed suspended jail terms in Tokyo Olympics scandal

Two Japanese businessmen have been given suspended prison sentences in relation to a bribery scandal involving the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The corruption allegations have caused significant damage to Japan’s bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics. The businessmen were found guilty of bribing a Tokyo Olympics committee member, with one receiving a sentence of 18 months suspended for three years, and the other receiving a one-year sentence, also suspended for three years. Several other individuals and companies have also been implicated in the bribery scandal. The investigations continue, and Japan’s Olympic chief has warned of the possibility of pushing back the Winter Olympics bid to 2034.

Japan okays GPS tracking for bail after Ghosn case

Japan has passed a law allowing courts to use GPS tracking on defendants out on bail, a response to the high-profile escape of former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn in 2019. The revised law enables courts to order GPS devices to be placed on defendants to prevent them from fleeing the country. Violations may result in detention or imprisonment of up to a year. The measure aims to address security concerns and prevent international bail-jumping.

Magnitude 6.3 quake shakes central Japan: weather agency

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Japan’s central Ishikawa region on Friday, causing the suspension of Shinkansen bullet trains between Nagano and Kanazawa. The earthquake registered an upper six on the Japanese Shindo scale, which means it could cause major landslides. Earthquakes are common in Japan, which sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

South Korean president’s office defends his viral Japan comments

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces backlash after comments about Japan not needing to “kneel down” to improve ties amid unresolved historical issues. Yoon’s office clarified that he meant that improving relations did not require Japan to “kneel down” but rather cooperate in regional security, sparking criticism from victims of Japan’s wartime forced labor.

Japan to scrap virus tests on arrival from China

Japan will stop COVID testing of travellers arriving from mainland China and instead require proof of vaccination or negative test results obtained before departure, ending a policy that had been criticised by Beijing as “discriminatory”. The decision comes after a spat that began in January when several countries imposed new travel rules due to rising COVID cases in China. Chinese tourists constituted around one-third of all visitors to Japan prior to the pandemic.

Japan unveils export control plans for chip equipment

Japan has announced export controls on 23 items used to make semiconductors, following US pressure for countries to restrict Chinese access to the technology. The move was not characterised as targeting any one country, with Japan’s trade minister saying the rules were intended to “prevent the military diversion of technologies”. The US has urged allies to join it in limiting Chinese access to the technology.

Japan urges China to release citizen held in Beijing

Japan urges China to release a Japanese man detained in Beijing for allegedly breaking domestic laws. The Japanese government is seeking consular access to the man, but gave no details on his identity, alleged crime or when he was arrested.

Japanese Prime Minister visits India to strengthen ties amid shared concerns about China

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in India to discuss strengthening trade and technology ties and shared concerns over China. The Quad alliance, comprised of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia, aims to counter China’s growing assertiveness in Asia. Kishida’s visit follows talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, who will host all Quad leaders in May. Modi and Kishida were expected to announce initiatives on clean energy, digital trade, and infrastructure under the wider Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

Japan PM pledges aid in ‘last chance’ to boost birthrate

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has promised to increase child allowances and paid parental leave, stating that the country’s declining population requires immediate action. Kishida unveiled proposals such as increasing allowances for younger children, boosting wages for young people, and tackling the cost of higher education. The prime minister aims to have 50% of new fathers taking parental leave by 2025 and 80% by 2030. To achieve this, he proposed measures, including offering allowances to companies encouraging paternity leave and pledged more pay when both parents take leave.