Japan

TOKYO, Oct 3 (NNN-NHK) – The newly elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Fumio Kishida, will take office as Japanese prime minister tomorrow and launch his new government, aiming to promote economic recovery, while keeping COVID-19 infections under control.

With the LDP-led ruling coalition controlling both chambers, the 64-year-old Kishida is almost guaranteed to be elected prime minister, at an extraordinary parliamentary session tomorrow.

TOKYO, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd (4502.T) said on Friday that "human error" caused metal contaminants to get into Moderna Inc (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccine doses, leading to a recall.

Takeda, which imports and distributes the vaccine in Japan, and Moderna said in a new report that a Spanish manufacturer discovered contaminants in some vials in July, but supplies from the same production were allowed to be shipped to Japan.

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Princess Mako and her fiancé are tying the knot next month but no wedding ceremonies are planned.

Their marriage is not fully supported by the public because of a financial dispute involving her future mother-in-law, the palace announced Friday.

The controversy involving Mako fiancé Kei Komuro’s mother is an embarrassment for the imperial family and led to public rebuke that delayed their marriage for more than three years.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan fully came out of a coronavirus state of emergency for the first time in more than six months as the country starts to gradually ease virus measures to help rejuvenate the pandemic-hit economy as the infections slowed.

At Tokyo’s busy Shinagawa train station, a sea of mask-wearing commuters rushed to their work despite an approaching typhoon, with some returning to their offices after months of remote work.

MITO, Japan (AP) — Fumio Kishida, the man soon to become Japan’s prime minister, says he believes raising incomes is the only way to get the world’s third-largest economy growing again.

Kishida says he wants to promote a “new capitalism” that would be more equitable, with fairer distribution of national wealth — the only way to get frugal Japanese families to spend more.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida won the governing party leadership election on Wednesday and is set to become the next prime minister, facing the imminent task of addressing a pandemic-hit economy and ensuring a strong alliance with Washington to counter growing regional security risks.

Kishida replaces outgoing party leader Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who is stepping down after serving only one year since taking office last September.

TOKYO (AP) — The stakes are high as Japanese governing party members vote Wednesday for four candidates seeking to replace Yoshihide Suga as prime minister. The next leader must address a pandemic-battered economy, a newly empowered military operating in a dangerous neighborhood, crucial ties with an inward-focused ally, Washington, and tense security standoffs with an emboldened China and its ally North Korea.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan is set to lift all coronavirus emergency measures when they expire later this week as the infections slow and the nation tries to reactivate its economy.

Officials in charge of coronavirus measures got endorsement from experts at a meeting Tuesday, on the condition easing of restrictions will be gradual. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to announce a lifting of the emergency and subsequent plans later Tuesday.

TOKYO, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government said on Monday that it would ease quarantine rules for travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 starting Oct. 1, shortening the required period for self-isolating at home from 14 days to 10 days.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said at a press conference that people who have been fully vaccinated would be allowed to go outside after a 10-day quarantine period as long as their COVID-19 tests were negative.

TOKYO (AP) — Global shares were mixed Monday, as fears of further waves of coronavirus outbreaks clouded the economic outlook for the region, tempering gains.

France’s CAC 40 added 0.6% to 6,678.66 in early trading, while Germany’s DAX gained nearly 0.9% to 15,667.40. Britain’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.3% to 7,072.39. U.S. shares were set for gains, with the future for the Dow industrials up 0.5% at 34,840.00. The S&P 500 future rose 0.4% to 4,462.25.