Japanese Ministry of Defense Seeks Record Budget

Bloomberg: Japan Military Seeks Record Budget as Threats in Region Mount 

Japan’s Defense Ministry is seeking a record budget for the next fiscal year as the pacifist country is set to have some of the highest military spending in the world, with questions remaining as to how the government will finance the surge. 

The ministry said Thursday it’s seeking ¥7.7 trillion ($52.6 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April 2024, up 13% from the previous year. The amount would be nearly on par with military spending in France and Germany, based on 2022 figures provided by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Japan’s military spending could eventually leapfrog all of its Group of Seven peers except the US after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged last year to increase defense spending by about 60% over the next five years.  

Read more .... 

Japanese Ministry of Defense Seeks Record Budget  

Japan military seeks record budget amid regional threats -- AP  

Japan seeks record ¥7.7 trillion defense budget as buildup continues -- Japan Times  

Japan unveils defense budget, seeking hypersonics, frigates, F-35s -- Defense News  

Japan Releases $53B Defense Budget Focused on Shipbuilding, Fighters -- USNI News 

Japan requests largest defense budget ever -- Naval News  

Japan's Defense Ministry Requests Largest Ever Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 -- The Diplomat

Japan's Defense Ministry Seeks A Record $49 Bln Defense Budget For FY2024

© AP Photo / Gemunu Amarasinghe  

Japan Today: Japan's Defense Ministry to seek record ¥7 tril budget for FY2024 

TOKYO: The Defense Ministry will seek a record-high budget of over 7 trillion yen for the next fiscal year, a source familiar with the matter said Tuesday, a move in line with Japan's new security strategy to eventually double its annual defense outlays. 

The defense spending plan for the year starting April could surpass the current fiscal year's record 6.8 trillion yen budget if the request is accepted. This increase reflects Japan's intensifying efforts to address severe security challenges posed by China, North Korea, and Russia. 

The upcoming budget request, to be made later in the month, will include funds to accelerate the introduction of homemade, long-range missiles, as the country has vowed to acquire the ability to strike enemy territory, called "counterstrike capabilities".

Read more ....  

Update #1: Japan Defense Ministry to seek record 7 tril. yen budget for FY 2024 (KYODO News)  

Update #2: Japanese Military May Request Record $49 Bln Defense Budget for Fiscal 2024 (Sputnik)  

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. For the foreseeable future the Japanese are going to significantly increase their defense budgets for each year.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Escapes Unharmed After Man Hurls Explosive Device

 

Reuters: Japan PM Kishida unhurt in 'smoke bomb' scare, resumes campaigning 

TOKYO, April 15 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated unhurt after a suspect threw what appeared to be a smoke bomb at an outdoor speech in western Japan on Saturday. 

Kishida took cover after a loud explosion was heard while police subdued a man at the scene, Japanese media footage showed. 

A police officer suffered minor injuries in the incident, the Nikkei newspaper reported, citing Wakayama prefectural police. 

 "Police are investigating the details of the loud explosive sound at the previous speech venue," Kishida said when he resumed his campaign speeches.

"I am sorry for causing many people to be concerned. We are in the middle of an important election for our country. We must carry this on together."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This scare comes nine months after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Escapes Unharmed After Man Hurls Explosive Device  

Explosive thrown at Japan PM at campaign event; 1 hurt -- AP  

Japan PM escapes unharmed from Saikazaki port after man hurls explosive device -- Euronews 

Japan PM Kishida safe after object thrown during speech -- DW  

Japan’s Kishida Resumes Election Speech Schedule After Smoke Bomb Scare -- Bloomberg  

Man arrested after explosion prompts evacuation of Japanese leader Fumio Kishida from speech venue -- CNN  

Japanese PM Evacuated After Blast Rocks Campaign Event -- Zero Hedge

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Speech Interrupted By ‘Explosion’

Footage of attack on #Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. pic.twitter.com/SIApMfUV89

— Eagle Eye PSF (@zarrar_11PSF) April 15, 2023

WNU Editor: Videos are emerging of a suspect being carried away. WNU will update this story as more news become available.

❗️ [ 🇯🇵 JAPON ]

🔸 Alors qu'il s'apprêtait à tenir un discours dans la ville de Wakayama, le Premier Ministre japonais, Fumio Kishida, a été évacué en urgence à cause d'un gros bruit d'explosion. Un homme a été maitrisé par la sécurité. pic.twitter.com/37cNk6OoLH

— (Little) Think Tank (@L_ThinkTank) April 15, 2023

Japón 🇯🇵 Primer Ministro Fumio Kishida es evacuado después de una explosión en un discurso en Wakayama pic.twitter.com/LdCUAKiCpA

— Rodrigo Saavedra 1️⃣🌳🧜🏻‍♂️🏳️‍🌈 (@R_SaavedraM) April 15, 2023

🔴 #AHORA | Detienen a una persona luego de que evacuaran al PM de Japón, Fumio Kishida, tras escucharse una explosión en el puerto de Wakayama, donde iba a dar un discurso. pic.twitter.com/biI4zcZ5Xe

— Mundo en Conflicto 🌎 (@MundoEConflicto) April 15, 2023

Japanese PM Kishida Says The Country Is On The 'Brink' Of Social Dysfunction Over Falling Birthrates

Japan's prime minister, Fumio Kishida, has delivered his first policy speech of 2023. (Reuters: Kim Kyung-Hoon) 

BBC: Japan PM says country on the brink over falling birth rate 

Japan's prime minister says his country is on the brink of not being able to function as a society because of its falling birth rate. 

Fumio Kishida said it was a case of "now or never." Japan - population 125 million - is estimated to have had fewer than 800,000 births last year. In the 1970s, that figure was more than two million. 

Birth rates are slowing in many countries, including Japan's neighbours.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: For Japanese PM Kishida, his priorities are the falling birthrate, and national defense .... Kishida prioritizes arms buildup, reversing low birthrate (AP). More here .... Japan's prime minister, Fumio Kishida, says country faces 'most severe and complex security environment' since WWII (ABC News Australia). 

 Japanese PM Kishida Says The Country Is On The 'Brink' Of Social Dysfunction Over Falling Birthrates  

Japan's Kishida vows to raise birthrate -- DW  

Kishida says Japan on 'brink' of social dysfunction as births fall -- Nikkei Asia  

'Now or never' to halt Japan's falling population - PM -- RTE  

‘Now or never’: Kishida says Japan has to act on population drop -- Al Jazeera

Japan PM Leaves On Tour Of European, North American Allies

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attends a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, on December 16, 2022, addressing some topics such as National Security Strategy, political and social issues facing Japan in today's World crisis. David Mareuil/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo  

Reuters: Japan's Kishida set to talk military buildup, chips on G7 tour 

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida starts a tour of key Western partners on Monday, after unveiling his country's biggest military buildup since World War Two as Tokyo weighs steps to counter China's growing power. 

Kishida, who will host a summit of the Group of Seven (G7) industrial powers in May, will meet leaders of the United States, Britain, France, Italy and Canada this week. 

Talks are expected to range from economic security and semiconductors to the war in Ukraine and rising tensions with nuclear-armed China and North Korea. 

"As leader of the G7 chair this year, I'll be making this visit to reaffirm our thinking on a number of issues," Kishida told a Sunday news programme. 

 "With the United States, we'll discuss deepening our bilateral alliance and how to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific."  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Kishida highlights security concerns on trip to Europe, US -- AP  

Update #2: Japan PM Leaves On Tour Of European, North American Allies -- AFP  

WNU Editor: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has quite a trip. Europe, Canada, and then the US.

Japan Wants To Become A 'Normal' World Power

William Gallo, VOA: Under New Defense Plan, Japan May Become ‘Normal’ World Power 

Seoul, South Korea — Japan this month took a major step toward loosening its postwar military restraints, unveiling new policies that will allow the Asian giant to play a much bigger role in regional and global security affairs. 

Under a new National Security Strategy (NSS) and two other documents released in mid-December, Japan will roughly double defense spending over the next five years and for the first time deploy missiles that can hit military targets in other countries. 

The policies smash through decades-old taboos in Japan, which has embraced a relatively restrained defense posture under its technically pacifist constitution drafted by the United States following Tokyo’s defeat in World War II.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Japan is definitely spending the money .... Japan Announces New Defense Spending Plan (VOA).

Japan Is Pursuing A Major Defense Buildup

Japan to buy Tomahawk missiles in defense buildup amid fears of war © Joint Staff Office of the Defense Ministry of Japan/Reuters  

Washington Post: Japan to buy Tomahawk missiles in defense buildup amid fears of war 

TOKYO — Alarmed by increasing security threats and the risk of war in the Indo-Pacific, Japan will seek to purchase hundreds of U.S.-built Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of a major defense buildup unprecedented in the postwar period, Japanese and U.S. officials said. 

The missile buy would boost Japan’s long-range strike capability and mark a stunning break with a long tradition of eschewing offensive weapons. 

And it would enhance Japan’s conventional deterrent as China undertakes a sweeping military modernization and North Korea barrels ahead with its nuclear program.  

Read more .... 

Japan Is Pursuing A Major Defense Buildup 

LDP, Komeito agree on drafts for 3 key defense documents -- NHK News  

Japan Prepares for a New Era in Defense Approach and Investment -- Defense & Security Monitor  

Japan Panel: Sweeping Defense Buildup, More Cost Unavoidable -- Military.com 

Japan Seeks Deeper Defense Ties with NATO -- National Defense Magazine 

Japan considers deploying high-speed glide bombs to Kyushu, Hokkaido -- NHK 

Japan to facilitate use of ports, airports by Self-Defense Forces -- Nikkei Asia  

Japan seeks to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP -- Defense News

Japan Wants To Have A 'Counter-Strike' Missile Capability

File Image: Japan International Fleet Review  

EurAsian Times: Japan Eyes Cooperation With US On ‘Counterstrike Capability’ Against Enemy Bases – Reports 

Japan is considering using an enemy base strike capability or “counterstrike capability” in cooperation with the United States should it be attacked, the Kyodo news agency reported on Saturday, citing a source familiar with the matter. 

According to the report, the proposal was described in a policy document shown on Friday at a working-level meeting of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito. 

The media said that the ruling party proposed in April that the government declared the possession of an enemy base strike capability, allowing Tokyo to hit and disable enemy command centers and missiles prior to their launch from foreign territory.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: There appears to be Japaneses public support for this new Japanese military policy .... Over 60% Of Japanese Support Acquiring Counterstrike Capability - Poll (Urdu Point/Sputnik). 

Japan Wants To Have A 'Counter-Strike' Missile Capability

Japan Considering Buying Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles as ‘Counterstrike’ Capability, Say Reports -- USNI News  

Japan considers preemptive missile strikes to defend against an imminent attack -- Stars and Stripes  

Japan eyes using enemy base strike capability with U.S. -- Kyodo News  

Japan Considering Long-Range Missiles For Submarines -- Zero Hege

Japan's Prime Minister Vows To Strengthen Naval And Military Capabilities

 

Daily Mail: Japan urgently needs to strengthen its military as Kim Jong-Un steps up North Korea's missile-firing programme, Prime Minister Kishida says 

* Japan's Prime Minister warned the pacifist country needs to step up its military force amid tensions in region 

* Fumio Kishida spoke at fleet review which saw 18 ships from 12 countries paraded in Sagami Bay, near Tokyo 

* Demonstration included some of world's biggest military ships and warplanes from US, South Korea and more 

* It comes after North Korea fired a long-range missile near Japan this week in a record year for launches 

Japan's Prime Minister has warned the pacifist country needs to step up its military force amid an increasingly 'severe' situation in the region, after North Korea's latest provocation this week saw it fire a missile near the island nation in a record year for launches. 

Fumio Kishida made the comments as he took part in an international fleet review today which saw 18 warships from 12 countries paraded in Sagami Bay, southwest of Tokyo. The remarkable demonstration included some of the world's biggest and most advanced military vessels from the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Talk about increasing Japan's defense budget may not be as dramatic as it seems .... Japan is seeking its biggest defense budget ever. This may not be as dramatic as it sounds (Japan Times). 

Japan's Prime Minister Vows To Strengthen Naval And Military Capabilities 

Japan PM vows to strengthen military at int'l naval review -- AP  

Japan`s PM Fumio Kishida pledges to strengthen naval and military capabilities amid rising border tensions -- WION  

Japan PM Pledges To Boost Military Capacity -- AFP  

Japan PM Pledges to Boost Military Capacity -- Defense Post

For The First Time In 20 Years Japan Holds Its First Intl. Fleet Review

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)'s multi-purpose destroyer Izumo (DDH-183) leads the fleet during the International Fleet Review to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the JMSDF, at Sagami Bay, off Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, Nov. 6, 2022. 

VOA/Reuters: Japan Hosts Multilateral Display of Naval Unity amid East Asia Tension 

YOKOSUKA, Japan — Japan hosted its first international fleet review for seven years on Sunday with ships from 12 other nations in a show of unity as North Korea fires record numbers of missiles and China increases its pressure on Taiwan. 

The naval parade in Sagami Bay near Tokyo involved 38 vessels, 18 from friendly countries such as the United States, South Korea, Britain, Australia, Singapore, India and Thailand. 

Thirty-three aircraft flew overhead, including submarine-hunting patrol planes and helicopters.  

Read more .... 

 For The First Time In 20 Years Japan Holds Its First Intl. Fleet Review  

Japan PM vows to strengthen military at int'l naval review -- AP  

Japan shows off defense diplomacy skills with international fleet review -- Japan Times

Japan holds first intl. fleet review in 20 years -- NHK 

Japan's naval exercise tightens bonds with allies, South Korea -- UPI  

USS Ronald Reagan Hosts Japanese Prime Minister during International Fleet Review -- Navy.mil

Japan's Currency Is In Crisis Against The U.S. Dollar

Yen Weakens Through 150 Per Dollar For First Time Since 1990 © Bloomberg 

 

CNBC: Japanese yen hits 150 against the U.S. dollar, weakest levels not seen since August 1990 

* The Japanese yen weakened past 150 against the U.S. dollar, a key psychological level, reaching levels not seen since August 1990. 

* The Bank of Japan’s two-day meeting is slated for next week. Policymakers have ruled out a rate hike in order to defend against further weakening of the currency. 

* On Thursday, Reuters reported Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said the government will take “appropriate steps against excess volatility.” 

The Japanese yen weakened past 150 against the U.S. dollar, a key psychological level, reaching levels not seen since August 1990. 

The Bank of Japan’s two-day meeting is slated for next week. Policymakers have ruled out a rate hike in order to defend against further weakening of the currency. 

On Thursday, Japan’s 10-year government debt yields breached the 0.25% ceiling that the central bank vowed to defend – last standing at 0.252%. The yield on the 20-year bond also rose to its highest since September 2015.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Japan is continuing to follow a policy of money printing and keeping interest rates near zero. This is not sustainable. The country is now facing inflation rates not seen in decades, and we should all be concerned on what is next. Japan is the largest holder of US Treasuries. If they start dumping their US holdings to support their currency, expect higher US interest rates in the near future. 

We are now seeing in real time the global results of US financial/monetary policies. The Japanese yen at record lows. The Chinese currency at lows not seen in decades. The EU trading below the US dollar, followed the UK Pound trading a record lows. Any doubts that the world is in a currency war with the US should be put to rest right now. 

Japan's Currency Is In Crisis Against The U.S. Dollar 

Japan ramps up intervention threats after yen slides past key 150 level, article with video -- Reuters 

Yen Traders Brace for Intervention as Currency Breaks 150 Level -- Bloomberg  

Yen crosses key ¥150 mark as inflation pressure mounts -- The Japan Times  

Japanese yen falls to more than 30-year low against dollar -- UPI

Japan Is Militarizing Its Remote Islands

The Japanese Navy conducting joint exercise Noble Raven 22 with U.S. and Canadian navies on Aug. 30-Sept.7.  

RFA: Japan responds to rising China-Taiwan tensions by militarizing its remote islands  

Its defense ministry says a stable Taiwan situation is critical for Japan's Security. 

Japan plans to beef up defenses on its remote islands in the East China Sea in preparation for a Taiwan Strait crisis, a move reflecting official strategic thinking but one likely to annoy China. 

The Japanese defense ministry wants to expand fuel and ammunition storage facilities on the Nansei (Ryukyu) island chain, the westernmost tip of which lies just 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Taiwan, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada was quoted as saying by Nikkei Asia on Tuesday.  

Read more ....  

Update: Japan Building Military Ports Closer To Taiwan In Preparation For Cross-Strait Crisis (Zero Hedge)  

WNU Editor: Japan is definitely spending the money to make this happen .... Japan Set to Become One of World's Biggest Defense Spenders (Bloomberg).

Japan's Ruling Party Wins Super-Majority In National Elections

 

Daily Mail: Voters in Japan overwhelmingly back slain ex-prime minister Shinzo Abe’s party, handing the Liberal Democrats a parliamentary SUPER-majority that could now see the world’s third-richest country greatly expand its army and global role 

* Ruling party the Liberal Democrats - who have been in government 62 of the past 67 years - are set to gain 

* Added seats could allow Shinzo Abe's proposed constitutional changes to pass, sealing late ex-PM's legacy 

* Mr Abe, 67, was shot dead with an improvised shotgun while campaigning in Nara, western Japan last Friday 

 * Queen was 'deeply saddened' by 'sudden and tragic' loss of Abe, who served as Japan's PM from 2012 to 2020 

* Suspect Tetsuya Yamagami was escorted out of Nara Police Station to be taken to the local prosecutor's office 

* GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: This story contains graphic content which some readers may find distressing 

The Japanese Liberal Democrats won a landslide victory at national elections held two days after Shinzo Abe, the party's ex-leader and Japan's longest-serving prime minister, was assassinated at a campaign event. 

Prime minister Fumio Kishida's ruling party - which has governed Japan for 62 of the past 67 years - was set to win more than 70 of 125 seats in the upper house alongside right-wing allies Komeito. 

Though a change in government via the more powerful lower house was not at stake, today's elections are thought to be a referendum on Japan's leaders - and the legacy of its slain ex-PM.  

Read more .... 

Japan's Ruling Party Wins Super-Majority In National Elections 

 Japan’s ruling party secures decisive election win in wake of Abe assassination -- France 24  

Shinzo Abe: Japanese voters back party of former PM amid shooting fallout -- The Guardian  

Japan's ruling party wins election after Abe assassination -- DW  

Japan Ruling Bloc Wins Big in Vote Held Days After Abe's Murder -- Bloomberg  

Shinzo Abe's political party wins supermajority in parliamentary elections -- Axios

Japan's Former PM Shinzo Abe Assassinated -- News Updates

 

Daily Mail: Terrifying new footage shows Shinzo Abe's bodyguards try to deflect assassin's bullets with BRIEFCASES as former PM freezes when first shot is fired...then slumps when fatal bullet hits 

* Shinzo Abe, 67, Japan's former PM and a towering political figure, has been shot dead while campaigning 

* Abe, the country's longest-serving leader, was shot twice as he gave a speech in the city of Nara at 11.30am 

* Shocking video captures the moment of the attack, showing how oblivious security guards were caught unawares by the first shot - which missed - and tried to block the second fatal round with briefcases 

* Chilling photo also shows killer Tetsuya Yamagami calmly waiting behind Abe as he prepares to attack 

* WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT 

This is the shocking moment former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead - revealing how oblivious security guards tried to block bullets with their briefcases after realising too late that he was under attack. 

Cameras trained on Abe as he gave a political stump speech in the city of Nara at 11.30am captured the moment the first shot was fired, missing the politician but producing a loud bang and a cloud of smoke. 

For what feels an eternity, but in reality is just a few seconds, Abe remains on his podium as bewildered guards - who were all looking at him as he spoke - turn around and finally grasp what is happening, just a moment too late.  

Read more .... 

Japan's Former PM Shinzo Abe Assassinated -- News Updates  

Shinzo Abe: what we know so far about killing of former Japanese PM -- The Guardian 

 Shinzo Abe, former Japanese prime minister, dies after being shot at rally — as it happened -- ABC News Australia  

Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe killed in shock campaign attack -- France 24  

Shinzo Abe: Japan ex-PM dies after being shot -- DW  

Shinzo Abe, Japan’s former prime minister, shot dead -- The Guardian  

Shinzo Abe: Japan ex-leader's alleged killer held grudge against group - police -- BBC  

Man arrested for murder after fatal shooting of Shinzo Abe -- The Guardian  

Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe assassinated, shooter in police custody -- ABC News Australia  

Homemade guns are seized in a raid on Abe shooting suspect’s home, police say -- CNBC  

Shinzo Abe: How the former Japan PM's assassination unfolded -- BBC

'A towering figure': Fatal shooting of Japan's Shinzo Abe shocks world leaders -- France 24  

Shinzo Abe: World leaders shocked at shooting of former Japanese PM -- DW  

Shinzo Abe: World leaders express shock over assassination -- BBC  

A loss for the world’: leaders unite in condemning Shinzo Abe assassination -- The Guardian  

Biden says he is 'stunned, outraged, and deeply saddened' by assassination of 'friend' Shinzo Abe and 'gun violence always leaves a deep scar': Obama also pays tribute as world leaders share condolences -- Daily Mail  

Donald Trump calls for Shinzo Abe's killer to be dealt with 'swiftly and harshly' as he leads world leaders in expressing shock over the former Japanese PM's assassination -- Daily Mail 

 Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, will be remembered for his legacy -- ABC News Australia  

Shinzo Abe: The legacy of Japan's former prime minister -- DW  

Shinzo Abe – the Japanese PM who was born to live on the election trail… and would lose his life there: How former leader became his country's most famous politician and longest-serving premier -- Daily Mail  

Shinzo Abe death: Shock killing that could change Japan forever -- Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, BBC News  

Shinzo Abe obituary -- The Guardian

Tweets On The Assassination Of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest serving prime minister, has died after being shot during a campaign speech.

Abe, 67, was perhaps the most polarizing, complex politician in recent Japanese history. He left the PM job in 2020 but remained highly influential. https://t.co/0UDzNS6Go4 pic.twitter.com/ZEBcld9LGh

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 8, 2022

Breaking News: Shinzo Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, was assassinated during a public speech. He was 67. A suspect was arrested. https://t.co/m82R4CByyF pic.twitter.com/9nosZ1Jpcp

— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 8, 2022

Best footage I've seen so far of the scene surrounding Shinzo Abe. Insane. Looks like bystanders attempted CPR on him before paramedics arrived. pic.twitter.com/P84UHBuQ5M

— The Intel Crab (@IntelCrab) July 8, 2022

Shinzo Abe killer was standing just yards behind Japan's former PM before blasting him to death https://t.co/kpfRXPMVCj pic.twitter.com/4hYtObZfCQ

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) July 8, 2022

A breakdown of what happened when former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe was shot in a crime that was all the more shocking given Japan's strict gun laws and low rates of violent crime.
Full story: https://t.co/elyyS0dBgq pic.twitter.com/UUPaJxMcae

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 8, 2022

NEW, high resolution image of the improvised firearm used in #Nara. Lots to note here, but among them is the wires near the back.

You also get a perfect look at the openings of the two pipe barrels. pic.twitter.com/mqwkS6syy3

— The Intel Crab (@IntelCrab) July 8, 2022

Japan's PM gives emotional speech after Shinzo Abe shootinghttps://t.co/tP4sLso7rU

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 8, 2022

‘A loss for the world’: leaders unite in condemning Shinzo Abe assassination https://t.co/dD2ZnEz71s

— Guardian World (@guardianworld) July 8, 2022

World leaders pay tribute to Japan's ex-PM Shinzo Abe

Live updates: https://t.co/zmH77mVIWU

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 8, 2022

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Feared Dead After Being Shot While Giving Speech In The Japanese City Of Nara

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, center, was shot in the city of Nara on Friday. Kyodo News via AP

   

Daily Mail: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 67, is feared dead after being shot in the chest with during speech: Man, 42, is arrested at the scene 

* Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 67, was shot in the chest on Friday 

* He was in the city of Nara in Western Japan giving a speech when he was shot 

* Abe collapsed around 11:30 a.m. as witnesses reported hearing a gunshot 

* He is reportedly in heart failure and showing no vital signs 

* A man, 42, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder 

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot in the chest while giving a speech in the western city of Nara on Friday and is showing no vital signs after being attacked from behind. 

Abe, 67, was in heart failure after being shot, NHK public television said, as it aired footage of the former prime minister collapsed on the street, with several security guards running toward him. 

Abe was holding his chest when he collapsed, with his shirt smeared with blood. He was rushed to the hospital.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The reports that I am reading are grim. 

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Feared Dead After Being Shot While Giving Speech In The Japanese City Of Nara  

Shinzo Abe shot: former Japan prime minister ‘showing no vital signs’, say police – live -- The Guardian  

Japan ex-leader Shinzo Abe apparently shot, in heart failure -- AP  

Japan ex-prime minister Shinzo Abe taken to hospital after apparent shooting - NHK, article with gallery -- Reuters  

Shinzo Abe: Japan ex-PM injured after reported gunshot attack -- BBC  

Japan ex-PM feared dead after apparent shooting: local media -- France 24  

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gravely injured in apparent shooting -- NBC  

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe rushed to hospital after possible shooting, suspect arrested and charged with attempted murder, NHK reports -- CNN  

Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe collapses after being shot at campaign event -- DW

Japan Is Facing A Looming Energy Crisis

An employee of Cosmo Energy Holdings' Cosmo Oil service station checks its nozzles at a branch in Tokyo, Japan, December 16, 2015. REUTERS/Yuya Shino 

 OilPrice.com: The World’s Third-Largest Economy Is Facing A Looming Energy Crisis 

Japan is facing an energy crisis that can severely hurt the world's third-largest economy as it is forced to tackle a combination of a weak local currency, the fallout from the Ukraine war, and a heatwave. 

Japan already had a significant energy import bill as it depends on foreign oil and gas for 90 percent of its needs. But as the yen fell to the lowest in 20 years, Japan's bill became even bigger, with the price rise in crude oil, which has been some 40 percent in dollar terms since the start of 2022, reaching a whopping 70 percent in yen terms. 

"A confluence of factors, including the higher fuel prices since the war and the tumbling currency, is putting a significant pressure on Japan's energy security, making this one of the most serious energy crises Japan has had," said Jane Nakano, a senior fellow at Washington-based think tank the Center for Strategic & International Studies.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Japan is trying to avoid power blackouts during a scorching heat wave by setting ACs to 82 degrees and turning off heated toilet seats (Fortune)  

Update #2: Japan, South Korea buyers have not yet been asked to pay roubles for Russian LNG imports (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Because Japan imports 90% off its energy needs, it needs to continue to buy Russian oil and natural gas. Japan is also the country that proposed to the G7 to cap Russian oil export prices at half the current rate. 

Update #3: Japan is not the only Asian facing an energy crisis .... Factbox: Asia-Pacific economies face escalating energy crisis (A&P Global).

Japan To Attend NATO Summit This Month For The First Time

Kishida has already pledged significant strengthening of Japan's military capability and budget [Yoshikazu Tsuno/Pool via Reuters]  

Kyodo: Fumio Kishida to be 1st Japan leader to attend NATO summit 

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday he will attend a summit meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization this month as the first Japanese leader to attend the gathering of the Western security alliance. 

At a press conference, Kishida also said he will attend a three-day summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, to be held from June 26 in Schloss Elmau, Germany, just before the NATO gathering in the Spanish capital of Madrid.  

Read more .... 

 Japan To Attend NATO Summit This Month For The First Time  

Kishida to become first Japanese leader at NATO summit -- Nikkei Asia  

Fumio Kishida to Be First Japan Prime Minister to Attend NATO Summit -- Bloomberg  

Japan to attend NATO summit for first time -- Al Jazeera  

Japanese PM to attend NATO summit for the first time -- RT

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Vows An Expanded Security Role In Asia

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivers the keynote address at the opening dinner of the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, June 10, 2022. 

VOA: Japan’s Kishida Vows Expanded Security Role in Asia  

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled a plan to enhance the country’s military capability and assist Southeast Asian countries with maritime security during his Friday keynote address in Singapore before the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier security summit. 

“Ukraine may be East Asia tomorrow,” he said, suggesting the Taiwan issue could pose an imminent threat to peace across East Asia. Kishida then made it clear that typically dovish Tokyo is planning to acquire counterstrike weapons to defend against potential attacks. 

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WNU Editor: Japan is putting its words into action .... Japan, U.S., Australia Agree to Increase Joint Exercises (Nippon). More here .... Singapore, Japan ink enhanced agreement on defence cooperation (CNA). 

 Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Vows An Expanded Security Role In Asia  

At Asia Security Summit, Japan Vows to Boost Regional Security Role -- Reuters  

Japan's Leader Ramps Up Drive to Counter China in Southeast Asia -- Bloomberg  

Japan vows bigger security role in Asia-Pacific to tackle threats -- Al Jazeera  

Kishida: Japan to 'fundamentally' strengthen defense in 5 years -- Nikkei Asia 

Japanese PM Kishida Lays Out Indo-Pacific Strategy in Shangri-La Speech -- USNI News