US, Japan name China as hypothetical target of war games

US, Japan name China as hypothetical target of war games

Japan and the US are identifying China as the hypothetical target of ongoing Pacific based war games for the first time. The two countries are carrying out Operation Keen Edge in Tokyo and Hawaii this week as they look to improve their readiness to respond to conflict scenarios.

February 5, 2024 40

World

Japan’s moon probe resumes mission after regaining power

Japan’s space agency says its lunar probe has begun functioning again after losing power on the moon’s surface last week. The ‘SLIM’ explorer lost power days after successfully landing on the moon on January 19, but JAXA says it is now operational and restarting its mission. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

January 29, 2024 16

World

Japan’s Kishida faces daunting 2024 as Diet reconvenes

Japan’s parliament is reconvening on Friday with the prime minister facing a leadership challenge in the coming months. Fumio Kishida is beginning the political year with record low approval and turmoil inside the ruling party. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo.

January 26, 2024 13

World

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 13

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 28

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 17

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 30

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 12

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 16