Water-saving rice cultivation method in spotlight in Japan
WorldTOKYO -- The Japanese rice farming industry, saddled with an increased burden amid labor shortages and farmland consolidation, is shifting its attention to the water-saving dry field direct seeding method in hopes of securing stable rice production.
Japan sets up working group to discuss securing critical goods
WorldTOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday said that the government has set up a working group to discuss measures to secure a stable supply of critical products.
Japan banks to share fraudulent account data from April 2027
WorldTOKYO -- Japan's banking industry will begin sharing data on fraudulent accounts from April 2027 to curb scam-related losses, Masahiko Kato, new chairman of the Japanese Bankers Association, said in a recent interview.
Southeast Asia's robust Brazilian fuel oil imports ease war-fuelled supply concerns
WorldSINGAPORE -- Brazilian fuel oil imports in Southeast Asia jumped in March, shipping data showed, easing concerns of tight marine fuel supply this month after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran crimped shipments from the Middle East.
Fuel crisis powers surge in EV interest in Asia-Pacific region
WorldMotorists across the Asia-Pacific region are switching to electric vehicles at a rapid pace, as rising fuel costs due to the Middle East conflict force consumers and companies to reconsider their reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles.
Japan allows joint child custody after divorce
WorldDivorcing parents in Japan can opt to share custody starting Wednesday, ending a system both criticized for encouraging parental child "abductions" and defended as a safeguard for domestic abuse survivors.
Wolf bites woman in Germany in first attack for decades
WorldA woman has been bitten by a wolf in a shopping centre in Germany, the first such attack in modern times.
'Iran will be at World Cup' and play in US, FIFA's Infantino tells AFP
WorldFIFA president Gianni Infantino told AFP Tuesday that Iran "will be at the World Cup" and will play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the Middle East conflict.
Bosnia's Barbarez cool as ice after reaching World Cup in shootout with Italy
WorldZENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- Bosnia pulled off a penalty shootout win over Italy on Tuesday to qualify for the World Cup for the second time, and manager Sergej Barbarez was the calmest man in Zenica as he praised his players' character.
DR Congo score extra-time winner to qualify for World Cup
WorldGUADALAJARA, MEXICO -- The Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 after Axel Tuanzebe netted an extra-time winner to see off Jamaica 1-0 in their inter-confederation playoff on Tuesday.
