World

Members of the Japanese government's regulatory reform promotion council have agreed to discuss six areas, including a possible easing of work hour regulations, advocated by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, on a priority basis.

Pope Leo used his Christmas Eve homily on Wednesday (December 24) to warn that turning away the poor or refusing help to strangers amounts to turning away God.

Hyundai Motor Group said Wednesday (December 24) it has promoted Jin Eun-sook, executive vice president of its ICT division, to president, making her the first woman to be appointed to the group’s top executive ranks.

Japan plans to more than double funding on Wednesday (December 24) for its security equipment aid to like-minded countries in fiscal 2026, in view of China's increasingly assertive actions in the East and South China Seas.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering visiting the United States in March next year for the first time since taking office in October to hold talks with US President Donald Trump, informed sources said Wednesday (December 24).

Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition said Wednesday (December 24) that event held in the western Japan city of Osaka is estimated to generate a profit of 32 billion yen to 37 billion yen.

South Korea will issue up to 80,000 new E-9 visas in 2026, marking a second consecutive year of reductions to the quota for foreign unskilled workers, the Ministry of Employment and Labour said Monday (December 23).

Japanese government, at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (December 23), adopted its first basic plan on the development and utilisation of artificial intelligence.

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology said Tuesday (December 23) that it will conduct a test to excavate the deep seabed off Minamitorishima, a remote Tokyo island, and collect clay-like sediment rich in rare earths.

Income inequality in Japan was the largest in 2023, reflecting an increase in elderly households earning less than working-generation households, a welfare ministry survey showed Tuesday (December 23).

Indonesia and the United States say they have finalised a tariff deal, granting exemptions for key exports while Washington gains access to strategic minerals such as nickel.

Reuters says Thailand and Cambodia agreed to meet defence officials on December 24 to revive a ceasefire, after ASEAN ministers in Kuala Lumpur urged restraint as deaths topped 80.

Japanese expert team on Monday (December 22) released draft guidelines for planned Japanese version of Britain's Disclosure and Barring Service to check sexual offence records of teachers and others whose work involves contact with children.