insert_link Science & Technology Japan’s little Moon toy: the camera probe ready to roll By Natsuko Fukue On board Japan's "Moon Sniper" spacecraft is a little robot with a big mission: to pop open like a Transformer toy, wiggle across the lunar surface and beam images back to Earth. The shape-shifting SORA-Q probe -- co-developed by a major toy company -- has been compared to a friendly "Star Wars" droid and a sea turtle because of the way its metal form can navigate the […] today19 January, 2024
insert_link World Japan-US summit expected in April Japan and the United States are planning a leaders summit for April according to Kyodo News. Citing government sources, the reports say Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida is expected to visit Washington as a state guest. today18 January, 2024
insert_link World Japan, Aus continue steps towards military partnership Japan and Australia are in discussions to become military partners should any new conflicts arise in the Indo-Pacific. Citing Japan government sources Kyodo News reports the two countries are working to clarify defense guidelines and deepen co-operation. Chris Gilbert has more. today16 January, 2024
insert_link Namibia Wheelchair cyclists aiming for world champs this year Wheelchair cyclists Roodley Gowaseb and Nico Kharaxub are aiming to compete in multiple competitions and earn qualification spots for the upcoming Kobe International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics Grand Prix in 2024. Kobe, Japan, will host the 11th edition of the Para Athletics World Championships from 17 to 25 May 2024, with over 1 000 athletes from more than 100 nations set to compete in 171 medal events. Gowaseb however […] today12 January, 2024
insert_link World Japan boosts aid as poor conditions affect quake survivors Japan’s government is boosting aid to the earthquake struck Ishikawa region as tens of thousands of people remain in evacuation centers. Tokyo is elevating the seriousness of the quake to a ‘disaster of extreme severity’ in order to unlock access to extra funds for the region. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. today12 January, 2024
insert_link World Tokyo overrules Okinawa to begin US army base works Japan’s government is beginning construction on a new US military base in the country’s Okinawa islands, overriding the objections of local officials. Tokyo approved landfill works to relocate the Futenma airbase to the Henoko region by proxy after Okinawa’s government refused to green-light the project, saying it will destroy local ecosystems and attract war. today11 January, 2024
insert_link World Japan takes steps to clarify runway instructions after Haneda crash Officials in Japan are implementing emergency steps to avoid collisions at Tokyo’s Haneda airport after two aircraft crashed on the tarmac last week. Investigators believe vague updates from the control tower may have led a pilot to mistakenly believe he had clearance to enter the runway while another aircraft was landing. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. today10 January, 2024
