#Japan

8-year-old Japanese pop star Hirata Runa passes away: cause of death revealed

Culture 10/04/2026, 12:28

In Japan, 8-year-old popular young singer Hirata Runa has passed away. The cause of death for the young idol project member was influenza-induced myocarditis.

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Japan Plans to Develop Low-Cost Long-Range Cruise Missiles to Exhaust Air Defense Systems

Technology 10/03/2026, 15:20

Japan plans to develop cheap long-range cruise missiles to exhaust enemy air defense systems. The project is slated to begin in the 2027 fiscal year.

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TIME Magazine Honors Japan's Youngest Female Mayor in TIME100 Next 2026 List

Politics 10/03/2026, 14:37

TIME magazine has included Yawata Mayor Shoko Kawata in its TIME100 Next 2026 list for her historic maternity leave and breaking barriers in Japan.

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Japan Considers Transferring Patriot Missiles to Ukraine

Politics 10/02/2026, 12:17

Japanese lawmakers led by ex-Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera intend to initiate government discussions on transferring Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

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Samurai descendants slowly but surely becoming PC gamers

Technology 09/27/2026, 14:06

The Japanese gaming market is transforming: PC segment revenues by the end of 2025 exceeded 300 billion yen amid the growing popularity of streaming.

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Trump Calls Japanese Prime Minister and Details Meeting with Xi Jinping

Politics 09/27/2026, 12:41

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump, discussing details of his meeting with Xi Jinping and bilateral ties.

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Japan Allocates $51.5 Million to Ukraine for Healthcare Development: Details of New Aid

Economy 09/26/2026, 17:46

Ukraine received $51.5 million from Japan with World Bank support via the THRIVE project. Funds will target healthcare development and the Medical Guarantees Program.

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Japan Overhauls Procurement Approach and Promotes Startups in the Defense Sector

Politics 09/25/2026, 15:13

Japan's Ministry of Defense is introducing a new procurement mechanism and allocating billions of yen to integrate startups and advanced technologies into the defense sector.

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Innovative Vending Machines to Compress Clothes in Japanese Airports

Technology 09/25/2026, 14:55

Japanese airports plan to install 'Pocket Tips' machines starting in 2027, capable of compressing clothes in suitcases to palm size within one minute.

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From slurping ramen to late-night dinners in Spain: 8 countries where table manners will surprise a Ukrainian

Culture 09/22/2026, 22:38

The XAB.info editorial team has gathered unusual table etiquette rules from eight countries — from slurping ramen in Japan to late-night dinners in Spain. We break down which gestures at the table are considered a compliment and which are a rude violation.

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North Korea Launches Two Missiles on an Abnormally High Trajectory: Janes Points to a New KN-23 Variant

Politics 09/22/2026, 16:58

On 20 September, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan on abnormally high trajectories. Janes links the launches to a new KN-23 variant that is being used to shell Ukrainian cities.

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North Korea Conducts Two Ballistic Missile Launches in Three Hours: Pyongyang Ratchets Up Pressure on the Region

Politics 09/21/2026, 02:31

On September 20, North Korea conducted two short-range ballistic missile launches from its eastern coast, spaced three hours apart. The launches occurred against the backdrop of Pyongyang's rejection of an IAEA resolution and its criticism of U.S. exercises near Guam.

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Zelensky Accuses China of Lacking Neutrality and Warns of Threat from Russia–North Korea Cooperation

Politics 09/18/2026, 16:22

Zelensky stated that China is not neutral in the war and takes a position "a little more on the side of Russia." He warned of a threat to East Asia due to the combat experience North Korea is gaining in the conflict.

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Japan Considers Building a Semiconductor Factory on the Moon by 2040

Technology 09/13/2026, 12:07

Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike stated in Washington that Japan is considering building a semiconductor factory on the Moon by 2040. IBM confirms joint development of 1-nanometer chips.

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Japan Prepares Hypersonic Missiles for Submarine Launch: Two Scenarios and a Bet on Nuclear Submarines

Politics 09/05/2026, 02:51

In its defense budget request for fiscal year 2027, Japan has for the first time separately highlighted the development of a hypersonic missile for underwater launch. Tokyo is considering both ballistic and cruise variants and is simultaneously discussing nuclear-powered submarines.

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ICC President Tomoko Akane States Intent to Resist US Sanctions

Politics 08/27/2026, 02:28

On 18 August 2026, the US placed ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senior Legal Counsel Abdoulaye Cissé on the SDN sanctions list. Akane stated her intent to resist the pressure, and Tokyo voiced criticism.

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Japan Selects Ukrainian Terra B1 Drone Interceptor to Counter 'Shaheds'

Technology 08/26/2026, 14:53

On August 25, 2026, Japan's ATLA agency signed a contract to procure the Terra B1 drone interceptor to counter Shahed-type UAVs. The first deliveries will go to Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, with the system potentially later transferred to the Air and Ground Self-Defense Forces.

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Japan Stands Up for the ICC: Takaichi Accuses the US of Trying to "Eliminate" the Court

Politics 08/26/2026, 08:44

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi stated on August 25 that Tokyo will defend the ICC from US sanctions pressure following restrictions against the court's President Akane. Bloomberg calls this a rare public conflict between allies.

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