Death sentence given for Kyoto animation studio arson

Death sentence given for Kyoto animation studio arson

A court in Japan has sentenced to death the man responsible for the 2019 arson of an animation studio that killed 36 people. The Kyoto District court on Thursday ruled 45 year old Shinji Aoba (Shin-jee Ow-ba) was mentally competent enough to be held criminally liable for one of the deadliest mass murders in Japan’s history. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

January 25, 2024 10

Science & Technology

Japan craft made successful pin-point landing, space agency says

Japan's "Moon Sniper" craft landed around 55 metres (180 feet) from its target, the country's space agency said Thursday as it released the first images from the mission. The unmanned Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), dubbed the "Moon Sniper" for its pin-point technology, had the goal of touching down within 100 metres (330 feet) of a specific landing spot. That is much more precise than the usual landing zone […]

January 25, 2024 19

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 […]

January 19, 2024 14

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.

January 18, 2024 20

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.

January 16, 2024 7

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 […]

January 12, 2024 7

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.

January 12, 2024 1

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.

January 11, 2024 3

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.

January 10, 2024 2