Former Fukushima worker devotes life to abandoned pets
WorldNot far from the Fukushima nuclear disaster site, former plant worker Toru Akama tends to dozens of pets abandoned after the catastrophe 15 years ago, work he sees as part of his quest for redemption.
IEA called for emergency oil stock release at G7 meeting, Japan says
WorldTOKYO - The International Energy Agency (IEA) called for a coordinated release of emergency oil reserves during an online meeting with Group of Seven finance ministers on Monday, Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama told a briefing.
How much oil do G7 countries hold in emergency reserves?
WorldPARIS -- The Group of Seven countries are considering releasing emergency oil stocks to address the Middle Eastern supply crisis, the International Energy Agency said on Monday, as oil prices surged to as high as almost $120 per barrel.
Mitsubishi chemical cuts ethylene production
WorldTOKYO -- Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. has reduced output of ethylene, a material for plastics and other industrial products, to avoid a production halt due to possible supply shortages of raw materials from the Middle East, company officials said on Monday.
Japan biz bankruptcies reach 13-year high in February
WorldTOKYO -- The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan involving liabilities of at least 10 million yen totaled 851 last month, the highest level in 13 years for a February, Tokyo Shoko Research Ltd. said Monday.
G7 to discuss joint release of emergency oil reserves, French source says
WorldG7 finance ministers will on Monday discuss the possible release of emergency oil reserves, a French government source said, in response to surging oil prices resulting from the Middle East conflict.
Indonesia searches for missing after landfill collapse kills 4
WorldJAKARTA -- Rescuers are still searching for five missing people after a large stack of garbage collapsed at Indonesia's biggest landfill site over the weekend, killing at least four people, an official said on Monday.
Germany's industry makes unexpectedly weak start to 2026
WorldBERLIN - Germany's industry got off to a surprisingly weak start in January, with orders falling more than forecast and output unexpectedly decreasing, according to statistics office data.
IMF's Georgieva warns Middle East conflict could push global inflation higher
WorldTOKYO -- IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Monday warned of inflation risks from the Middle East conflict, saying a 10-percent increase in oil prices, if persistent through most of the year, would result in a 40-basis-point increase in global inflation.
10 vessels attacked in Hormuz Strait: analysts
WorldAbout 10 vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have come under attack since Iran blocked the strategic waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, data analysis groups report.
