Home Blog Page 291

Second Takaichi Cabinet Formed as All Ministers Reappointed

0

TOKYO, Feb 19 (News On Japan) –
The second Takaichi Cabinet was inaugurated on the night of February 18th following the prime minister’s appointment ceremony and the attestation of ministers on the Imperial Palace, with all cupboard members reappointed.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, 64, informed a press convention that the federal government goals to safe passage by the tip of March for the fiscal 2026 funds and associated laws, which confronted delays in getting into deliberations within the House of Representatives as a result of current decrease home election.

Regarding future administration of the federal government, Takaichi mentioned, “I have absolutely no intention of assuming that we have been given a blank check. As before, we will seek cooperation from opposition parties that are willing to work constructively toward implementing policy.”

Takaichi additionally reiterated her dedication to introducing a two-year zero consumption tax price on meals and drinks and to advancing constitutional revision.

Following the press convention, the second Takaichi Cabinet held its first assembly.

Source: Kyodo

Source

Fire Breaks Out in Busy District Near Osaka Station

0

OSAKA, Feb 19 (News On Japan) –
A hearth broke out in a busy leisure district close to JR Osaka Station in Osaka’s Kita Ward at round 7:30 p.m. on February 18th, leaving a yakitori restaurant worker with minor burns.

According to Osaka Prefectural Police, an emergency name reporting {that a} kitchen was on hearth was made by a restaurant employee, and the blaze originated from a yakitori restaurant situated in a three-story constructing. A male worker in his 50s suffered burns to his arm however sustained solely minor accidents. Police and firefighters are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

At the time of the fireplace, 5 individuals together with workers and clients have been contained in the restaurant, however all evacuated safely. The restaurant’s proprietor informed police that an worker could have forgotten to show off a range flame. Authorities imagine the fireplace could have unfold to an adjoining constructing.

Source: Kyodo

Source

US Senators urge Trump administration to prioritise QUAD Summit forward of meet with Xi

0

Washington DC [US], February 18 (ANI): US Senator Tim Kaine and Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts have urged the Trump administration to prioritise the assembly between QUAD leaders forward of US President Donald Trump’s deliberate assembly with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April later this yr.

In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio dated February 13, the Senators mentioned, ‘We write to encourage the Trump Administration to prioritize scheduling the following iteration of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. At this pivotal second of intense strategic competitors with the People’s Republic of China, convening a Quad Leaders’ Summit would ship a transparent sign of unity, resolve, and strategic coherence amongst main Indo-Pacific democracies. We stand able to work with the Trump Administration to bolster this important partnership.’

The letter underscored the timing and sequencing as crucial, highlighting that convening a Quad summit previous to President Trump’s deliberate assembly with Xi Jinping in April can be a ‘decisive demonstration of U.S. management within the Indo-Pacific previous to the President’s go to to Beijing.’

The letter additional mentioned, ‘A profitable Quad summit beforehand would, permit President Trump to interact from a place of better leverage. The Quad companions are well-positioned to behave collectively. President Trump’s latest successes advancing American pursuits in our bilateral relationships with Australia, India, and Japan have set the stage for revitalized collective motion via the Quad. Australia and Japan have expanded cooperation on crucial applied sciences and resilient provide chains whereas growing protection investments–through reaffirmed AUKUS commitments and deeper extended-deterrence coordination. The Administration’s announcement of a commerce take care of India lays the groundwork to considerably deepen strategic and protection cooperation with India and throughout the Indo-Pacific.’

The letter famous how all 4 Quad companions face shared challenges together with provide chain vulnerabilities, restrictions on crucial minerals, threats to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and intensifying competitors over rising applied sciences.

‘China has subjected Japan particularly to elevated diplomatic strain, navy intimidation, and financial coercion that threatens regional stability and worldwide norms. The Quad is uniquely positioned to deal with these challenges and advance most of the targets outlined in President Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy constructing upon successes of earlier Administrations, together with strengthening allied deterrence, decreasing strategic dependencies on adversaries, safeguarding technological management, and upholding freedom of navigation.’

The Senators mentioned that they seemed ahead to working to strengthen the Quad at this pivotal second for US diplomacy and urged to prioritize organizing a Quad Leaders’ Summit, and ensuing Foreign Minister and dealing group conferences.

‘Doing so would reinforce American management, empower our closest companions, and be sure that future engagement with Beijing is grounded in unity, power, and strategic foresight. We additionally welcome a briefing to debate the Administration’s imaginative and prescient and priorities for the Quad by March 13, 2026’, the letter mentioned. (ANI)

Source

Syrian nationwide suspected of dumping corpse of girl in Shiga forest – TokyoReporter

0

SHIGA (TR) – Shiga and Gifu prefectural police forces have arrested male Syrian nationwide, 22, in reference to the invention of a lady’s physique in a wooded space in Maibara City, stories the Asahi Shimbun (Feb. 18).

Between 7:40 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on March 14 final yr, Mohammed Hammoud allegedly moved the physique of Mayumi Kiriyama, 64, from her dwelling within the city of Tarui, Gifu Prefecture to a mountain forest in Oshimizu, Maibara.

Police haven’t revealed whether or not Hammoud admits to the allegations.

The physique of Mayumi Kiriyama was present in a forest in Maibara City on April 2, 2025 (X)

Kiriyama was a employees member at an academic facility. When she failed to indicate up for work on March 17, 2025, the ability director lodged a report with police. Based on the situation of her dwelling, each prefectural police forces started an investigation into the chance that she might have been kidnapped.

Kiriyama’s physique was discovered mendacity face-down and wrapped in a futon within the forest in Oshimizu on April 2. The physique was clothed in a long-sleeved shirt and blue denims.

The outcomes of an post-mortem revealed the reason for demise to be asphyxiation resulting from compression of the neck, police stated.

According to police, Kiriyama was noticed on safety digital camera footage strolling in direction of her dwelling on the night of March 14.

Based on that footage, each prefectural police departments imagine that Hammoud loaded her physique into his automobile and drove it to the mountains.

Hamoud arrived in Japan in June 2024. At the time of the incident, he was a brief worker. Following an investigation into his whereabouts, he was arrested in Ogaki City, Gifu on Wednesday afternoon.

Police in each prefectures imagine that Hammoud might have information of the circumstances surrounding Kiriyama’s demise. The relationship between the suspect and Kiriyama can be beneath investigation.

Source

(MICO2026)ITALY-LIVIGNO-OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES-SNOWBOARD-MEN’S SLOPESTYLE-FINAL

0

(260218) — LIVIGNO, Feb. 18, 2026 (Xinhua) — Su Yiming of China reacts throughout the snowboard males’s snowboard slopestyle remaining on the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Peng)

Source

Chinese nationwide suspected of mugging highschool woman in Yokohama – TokyoReporter

0

KANAGAWA (TR) – Kanagawa Prefectural Police have arrested a male Chinese nationwide for allegedly mugging a highschool woman in Yokohama City two years in the past.

In 2024, Li Sen, 27, allegedly punched the woman a number of occasions within the face on a avenue in Naka Ward and stealing her pockets containing 40,000 yen in money.

The woman suffered accidents that required two weeks to heal, police mentioned.

Upon his arrest, Li partially denied the allegations. He mentioned, “I didn’t hit her.”

Li Sen (X)

At the time of the incident, the woman was strolling dwelling from her part-time job when Li approached her from behind. After he blocked her method, he abruptly assaulted her.

Li was recognized by way of an examination of safety digital camera footage shot within the space and different means.

Police are at the moment investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.

Source

Tokyo man suspected of defrauding enterprise companion out of ¥100 million – TokyoReporter

0

TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 60-year-old man for allegedly defrauding a male enterprise companion out of almost 100 million yen in money by forging accounts receivable paperwork, stories TBS News (Feb. 18).

Around June final yr, Masahiro Kondo, allegedly created false paperwork stating that he held accounts receivable from an organization. He then had the enterprise companion, aged in his 60s, enter right into a fictitious contract that resulted in him being defrauded out of 92 million yen in money.

Masahiro Kondo (X)

According to police, the suspect was working a “factoring” enterprise, which converts accounts receivable into money.

Upon his arrest, Kondo, who lives in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture admitted to the allegations. He mentioned, “The company was facing financial difficulties. I’m sorry.”

Police mentioned the sufferer had been doing enterprise with Kondo for a number of years and trusted him.

Source

Maritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam arrives in India for Global AI Impact Summit

0

New Delhi [India], February 18 (ANI): Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchadra Ramgoolam arrived in India on Thursday for the worldwide AI Impact Summit being hosted right here within the nationwide capital. He was obtained by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary.

Sharing the main points of his arrival in a put up on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underlined the shut partnership between India and Mauritius and stated, ‘Welcome to an in depth pal and maritime neighbour! Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius @Ramgoolam_Dr was warmly obtained by Minister of State for Jal Shakti @dr_rajbhushan on his arrival in India for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Digital cooperation stays a key pillar of the – Enhanced Strategic Partnership, anchored in deep-rooted and historic people-to-people ties.’

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2023977264275485003?s=20

Earlier at present, President of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon; Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo; Ebba Busch, Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry additionally arrived for the AI Summit.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, it began on February 16 and can run as much as February 20, 2026. The Summit introduced collectively authorities policymakers, trade AI specialists, academicians, know-how innovators and civil society from internationally at New Delhi to advance world discussions on synthetic intelligence.

The India AI Impact Summit, the primary world AI summit to be hosted within the Global South, goals to replicate on the transformative potential of, AI aligning with the nationwide imaginative and prescient of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ (welfare for all, happiness for all) and world precept of AI for Humanity.

The Summit could have participation of greater than 110 nations, 30 International organizations, together with about 20 HoS/HoG stage participation, about 45 Ministers.

The AI summit is a part of an evolving worldwide course of aimed toward strengthening world cooperation on the governance, security, and societal affect of AI.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is guided by three Sutras or foundational pillars – People, Planet, and Progress. These sutras articulate the core ideas for world cooperation on synthetic intelligence. They goal to advertise human-centric AI that safeguards rights and ensures equitable advantages throughout societies, environmentally sustainable development of AI, and inclusive financial and technological development. (ANI)

Source

Photo Flash | Sanae Takaichi set to be reelected Japanese prime minister

0

(260218) — TOKYO, Feb. 18, 2026 (Xinhua) — This picture reveals a scene of Japan’s prime ministerial designation vote within the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 18, 2026. Sanae Takaichi, president of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, secured appointment within the highly effective decrease home as prime minister with out a runoff vote on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Source

Seychelles VP Sebastien Pillay arrives in India for Global AI Impact Summit

0

New Delhi [India], February 18 (ANI): Seychelles Vice-President Sebastien Pillay arrived in India on Wednesday for the worldwide AI Impact Summit being hosted right here within the nationwide capital. He was obtained by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary.

Sharing the small print of his arrival in a publish on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the longstanding partnership between India and Seychelles and mentioned, ‘A heat welcome to the Vice President of Seychelles, Mr. Sebastien Pillay as he arrives in New Delhi for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. He was obtained by Minister of State for Jal Shakti @dr_rajbhushan on arrival on the airport. A detailed and longstanding maritime associate, Seychelles’ participation within the Summit gives a possibility to harness AI for the good thing about our peoples and additional strengthen our partnership.’

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2023974290761334808?s=20

Earlier as we speak, Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam; Spanish President Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon; Finnish PM Petteri Orpo; Ebba Busch, Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Business and Industry additionally landed within the nationwide capital for the AI Summit.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It began on February 16 and can run as much as February 20, 2026. The Summit introduced collectively authorities policymakers, trade AI consultants, academicians, expertise innovators and civil society from internationally at New Delhi to advance international discussions on synthetic intelligence.

The India AI Impact Summit, the primary international AI summit to be hosted within the Global South, goals to mirror on the transformative potential of, AI aligning with the nationwide imaginative and prescient of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ (welfare for all, happiness for all) and international precept of AI for Humanity.

The Summit may have participation of greater than 110 nations, 30 International organizations, together with about 20 HoS/HoG degree participation, about 45 Ministers.

The AI summit is a part of an evolving worldwide course of aimed toward strengthening international cooperation on the governance, security, and societal influence of AI.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is guided by three Sutras or foundational pillars – People, Planet, and Progress. These sutras articulate the core rules for international cooperation on synthetic intelligence. They purpose to advertise human-centric AI that safeguards rights and ensures equitable advantages throughout societies, environmentally sustainable development of AI, and inclusive financial and technological development. (ANI)

Source