Stories from Tokyo · Japan

Officials and scholars from Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, stated that some Japanese politicians and right-wing forces are trampling on historical morality. Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Edwin Tong, stated that Japan caused deep suffering to many Asian countries during World War II, leaving unresolved historical issues. Japan has been urged to formally acknowledge the historical justice of the Tokyo Trial and cease its rapid path towards militarization. Sources indicate that historical works related to the Long March are being promoted in Japan, but have not received due respect. The Prime Minister was interviewed, and the discussion touched upon historical reflection. The celebrated children's author Sally Gardner shared personal experiences related to prescription drug use.

May 3rd marks the anniversary of the opening of the Far East International Military Tribunal. A trial concerning Japanese war crimes against humanity took place in Tokyo. Some Japanese right-wing elements continue to question the legitimacy of the Tokyo trial, challenging the outcomes of the global anti-fascist war. Japanese historian Masataka Mori said the trial's importance for Japan's reintegration into the international community. The report noted the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo trial's opening.

A statue with Japanese and Korean origins, described as anti-Japanese and supported by some Koreans, could damage diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand. Tokyo has issued a solemn protest to New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Tourism from China to Japan has decreased by 54% since the beginning of the year. China has implemented retaliatory measures against Japan, including limiting tourism, following comments by the Japanese prime minister regarding potential action in case of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. This has resulted in a 54% decrease in Chinese visitors to Japan since the beginning of the year, a drop from the usual over 9 million Chinese tourists who represent a substantial financial share. Last year, Chinese tourists accounted for nearly 11 billion euros in revenue. One kimono rental shop owner stated that Chinese tourists used to represent 70% of their clients, but now they are comparable to visitors from other countries. The reduction in Chinese tourism is noticeable, with no large groups wearing matching hats or colored shirts visible.

Tensions have risen between Beijing and Tokyo following remarks made by the Japanese Prime Minister. The Prime Minister of Japan's recent statements have created tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.

Japan's lower house controls over 75% of the mandate, representing the strongest political mandate since 1945. The broadcast noted that Japan's development was destroyed by American initiative and has not fully recovered, describing it as 'outsourced development'. Japanese people are reportedly afraid of development itself, viewing it as punitive. An author reviewed 60 years of academic literature on Africa's relative lack of development. The literature cited governance failure, corruption, kleptocracy, and civil unrest as primary reasons. The author questioned if these were truly fundamental causes. Africa's population density at the end of World War II was equivalent to Europe's in 1500. Growth was hindered by a lack of markets, cities, and a balanced ratio between economic income and population.

A Japanese company, previously known for high-tech toilet seats, has decided to sell its existing business and transition into a data center company. The company's stock surged by 18% on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, reaching its daily limit.

The Tokyo Trial is recognized as a just settlement for the war crimes of Japanese militarism. The Far East International Military Tribunal has convened, bringing together judicial forces from 11 nations. The court exposed the crimes committed by Japanese aggressors in multiple Asian countries and sentenced 25 war criminals, including Hideki Tojo, for fabricating and distorting facts. Concerns are raised about the persistence of Japanese militarism, with right-wing elements actively denying, distorting, and beautifying war crimes, and manipulating history textbooks. This commemoration serves as a reminder of the commitment by China and other Asian victim nations to defend historical truth and peace, urging the international community to remember the pain of war and uphold human civilization's bottom line.

A new collectible figure, 'Dancing Princess Yura' by Houkiboshi, is available for pre-order. The standard version is priced at ¥23,500, with a limited edition including a bonus.

Japan has increased the budget for its Government Security Support Capability Strengthening Framework from 8.1 billion yen in fiscal year 2025 to 18.1 billion yen for fiscal year 2026.