Politics
G20 agrees on international framework to reduce marine plastic pollution
The Group of 20 major economies agreed Sunday on the creation of an international framework that calls on members to take voluntary steps to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean, one of the world's most pressing environmental threats. The agreement came after a two-day meeting of G20 environment and energy… Read
Japan eyes cutting U.S. farm tariffs immediately to TPP levels
Japan plans to propose immediately reducing tariffs on American agricultural products to current levels for members of an 11-nation Pacific free trade agreement, according to sources familiar with the issue. The measure would level the playing field for American farmers and ranchers who have become less competitive in the Japanese… Read
G20 energy ministers to collaborate to keep market stability
Energy ministers from the Group of 20 major economies have shared concerns over attacks on tankers in the Gulf and will collaborate to maintain stability in the oil market, Japan's Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko said on Saturday. Two tankers, one operated by a Japanese shipping company, were attacked on Thursday.… Read
G20 to tackle ocean plastic waste as petrochemical producers expand in Asia
Japan wants to make reducing the glut of plastic waste in the oceans a priority at the Group of 20 summit it is hosting this month as governments around the world crack down on such pollution. Images of plastic debris-strewn beaches and dead animals with stomachs full of plastic have… Read
Abe denounces attacks on tankers near Strait of Hormuz
Japan "resolutely denounces" attacks on two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of who is responsible for them, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday after speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone. Abe, who returned to Tokyo in the morning from a two-day visit to Tehran, did… Read
Japan, U.S. have deepened understanding over positions on trade: Motegi
Japan and the United States have deepened their understanding over each other's position on trade and will continue discussions, Japan's economy minister said after meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this week. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, held in Washington, DC on Thursday, Toshimitsu Motegi said he exchanged… Read
Iran's supreme leader tells Abe Trump 'not worthy' of a reply to message
Iran's supreme leader told Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday that it was pointless to reply to a message he had brought to Tehran from U.S. President Donald Trump, as a peacemaking visit was overshadowed by attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman. The attacks were the latest… Read
S Korean parliament speaker apologizes for remarks on Japan emperor
The South Korean National Assembly speaker on Thursday apologized for the first time for saying earlier that an apology from then Emperor Akihito would settle a long-standing dispute over Korean women forced into Japan's wartime brothels. Moon Hee Sang made the apology during a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister… Read
Democrats name 20 U.S. presidential candidates for first debate
A sitting U.S. governor and a congressman will be among the four candidates left off the stage when the Democratic Party holds its pivotal first debate in Miami later this month. The Democratic National Committee announced on Thursday the list of 20 presidential candidates who qualified to participate in the… Read
Abe meets Iranian president; warns of armed conflict amid soaring tension with U.S.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned of unintended clashes in the crisis-hit Middle East after meeting the Iranian president in Tehran on Wednesday, amid a brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States. As a U.S. ally that also has good diplomatic relations with Iran, Japan could be in a… Read
