Latest news with #JST
2 hours ago
- Business
Japan Private-Sector Rice Imports Surging
News from Japan Economy Jun 28, 2025 19:48 (JST) Tokyo, July 28 (Jiji Press)--Private-sector rice imports to Japan are soaring as domestic rice prices remain high, apparently for use in "bento" boxed meals and household consumption. According to trade statistics released by the Finance Ministry on Friday, 10,607 tons of rice was imported by private-sector companies in May, about 125 times the monthly average for last year. "If we leave the surging rice prices as they are, (rice imports) may grow further," agriculture minister Shinjio Koizumi said Friday. The government imports an annual 770,000 tons of rice free of tariffs under its minimum market access obligation agreed with trading partners. Meanwhile, private companies can import rice if they pay a tariff of 341 yen per kilogram. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
3 hours ago
- Politics
ICC Pres. Akane Criticizes U.S. Sanctions
News from Japan World Jun 28, 2025 18:40 (JST) Tokyo, June 28 (Jiji Press)--International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's sanctions against the Hague-based court. "The sanctions have had impacts on third countries, and they violate international law," she told Japanese media outlets online Friday. "The ICC system based on the rule of war, which the international community has developed over the years, could collapse" if the sanctions continue, she added. The ICC had launched an official investigation into alleged war crimes by U.S. service members in Afghanistan. The court also issued arrest warrants, including for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These actions angered the United States, which is not an ICC member. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
All 4 Pandas at Western Japan Zoo Leave for China
News from Japan Society Jun 28, 2025 16:32 (JST) Shirahama, Wakayama Pref., June 28 (Jiji Press)--All four giant pandas at a zoo in the Adventure World amusement park in the town of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, left for China on Saturday morning. The four females were in good health and behaved largely as usual, while they looked a little confused by unusual surroundings, according to a zookeeper. At 8:45 a.m., two trucks carrying 24-year-old Rauhin and her three daughters--Yuihin, 8, Saihin, 6, and Fuhin, 4--left the leisure facility. A crowd of fans gathered around the zoo to see them off, taking photographs with their smartphones and waving their hands. Some people were crying. At Adventure World, 17 pandas were born. The first one was Rauhin, born in 2000. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
6 hours ago
- Business
EU Proposes Eel Trade Restriction despite Japan's Opposition
News from Japan Economy Jun 28, 2025 15:40 (JST) Brussels, June 27 (Jiji Press)--The European Union on Friday proposed making all eel species, including the Japanese eel, subject to regulation under an international treaty to protect endangered species, while Japan opposes the move. The EU, along with the Dominican Republic, Panama and Honduras, submitted the proposal to the secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES. The proposal is aimed at putting fry, full-grown eels and processed eel products of all 18 species under regulation. CITES, also known as the Washington convention, lists animals and plants requiring protection in annexes on three levels depending on the degree of regulation. The EU and others seek to add all eel species to the second level. The proposal will be discussed at a conference of the parties to the pact to be held in Uzbekistan from November to December. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
8 hours ago
- Business
Japan, U.S. to Continue Tariff Talks as July Deadline Nears
News from Japan Economy Jun 28, 2025 14:28 (JST) Washington, June 27 (Jiji Press)--Japanese chief tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday, agreeing to continue negotiations to reach a deal that serves the national interests of both sides. Their meeting, which preceded the July 9 expiration of a suspension of the additional U.S. reciprocal tariffs, marked the seventh round of bilateral ministerial talks on high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Through his repeated visits to the United States, Akazawa, economic revitalization minister, has been urging the U.S. side to review the Trump tariffs. Japan released a statement that the two sides had "a fruitful discussion." But it is unlikely that they filled their gap over key issues including automotive tariffs on imports from Japan. During Friday's 65-minute meeting, Akazawa and Lutnick discussed bilateral trade expansion, nontariff barriers and cooperation in economic security. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
