Latest News Updates from Kyodo News

U.S. to Deploy China Watcher in Tokyo, Japan Questions Women’s Worth Without Birth, and More: Latest News Summaries

In the latest news summaries by Kyodo News, it has been revealed that the administration of President Joe Biden will deploy an official dedicated to monitoring Chinese governmental and business activities to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo in July. This move is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to reinforce intelligence gathering and keep a close eye on China’s activities.

Meanwhile, in Japan, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa has stirred controversy with her remarks questioning the worth of women who have not given birth. In a speech ahead of a gubernatorial election, Kamikawa equated the importance of childbirth to the act of electing a new governor, sparking debate on gender roles and expectations in society.

On the international front, a senior official from China’s International Liaison Department is planning a visit to Japan later this month. The visit comes amidst tensions between the two countries, including China’s recent ban on Japanese marine products in protest against the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

In Okinawa, the U.S. ambassador’s visit to remote islands near Taiwan has raised concerns and garnered criticism from the governor of Okinawa. The governor expressed worries about the visit increasing tensions in the region and emphasized the need to monitor the situation closely to prevent further friction.

Additionally, North Korea announced that it had tested a tactical ballistic missile equipped with a new navigation system. The drill, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, triggered concerns in the region, especially after South Korea detected the launch of short-range missiles toward the Sea of Japan.

In the realm of technology and space exploration, a Tokyo-based startup is teaming up with a U.S. partner to develop a reusable satellite launch rocket. The project aims for commercial use by around 2030 and marks Japan’s first development project for a reusable launch vehicle, which could significantly lower costs and increase efficiency.

In sports news, the Saitama Wild Knights sealed their spot in the Japan Rugby League One championship final after a hard-fought victory against the Yokohama Eagles. The match saw a thrilling comeback by the Wild Knights, culminating in a decisive try by Damian de Allende.

Finally, in football action, Cerezo Osaka ended their six-game winless streak with a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Avispa Fukuoka in the J-League first division. The win marked a turnaround for Cerezo, who had previously struggled with a losing streak, while Fukuoka faced their second consecutive defeat.

The news summaries cover a wide range of topics, from international politics and gender issues to sports and technology advancements, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the region.