Latest Articles by Ishita Agarwal

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Japan’s response to China’s 100-year strategy: balancing naval expansion and fisheries

For neighboring Japan, these developments are significant. Japan has long held interests in the stability of the region and is wary of China's expanding maritime footprint. The Japanese government has expressed concerns over Chinese fishing practices, which often encroach on Japan's exclusive economic zones (EEZ). The Japanese fisheries sector, vital for both economic and cultural reasons, faces pressure as competition intensifies in the East China Sea.

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Koizumi emerges as front-runner in LDP Presidential election

As of September 20, the Mainichi Shimbun reported that Koizumi has secured the backing of over 50 of the 368 Diet members. His nearest competitors are former Minister of Economic Security Takayuki Kobayashi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi. The Sankei Shimbun's survey corroborates this, indicating that Koizumi also leads in support from LDP members, as assessed through opinion polls targeting party supporters.

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Governor Saito defends against misplaced accusations following audit

The origin of these accusations stems from a comprehensive external audit released in March 2023, which highlighted deficiencies in port operations managed by Hyogo Port. Critics allege that Saito's efforts to address these issues led to his current predicament. Yet, Kiyohiro Takahashi, a certified public accountant and external auditor, firmly denies any involvement from the governor in the audit process. "We do not accept suggestions from the governor in an audit, and it is impossible for us to follow the governor's wishes," he stated.

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Flooding strikes Noto Earthquake recovery efforts again

Muddy floodwaters swept through the region, overflowing rivers and triggering landslides that severed transportation routes. Temporary housing, recently established for individuals who lost their homes in the earthquake, was flooded once more, forcing many residents to evacuate yet again. Local sentiment is one of despair, with residents voicing their frustration: "Not again."

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Analysts question strategic impact of Israel’s pager attack on Hezbollah

Opinions are divided on whether the operation reflects a short-term reaction or a long-term strategy. Some analysts speculate that Israel may have acted swiftly out of fear that Hezbollah had discovered its ability to sabotage the pagers, leading to an urgent preemptive strike. Conversely, others suggest a more calculated intent behind the operation, positing that Israel hoped to coerce Hezbollah into reconsidering its military aggression amid ongoing negotiations concerning Gaza.

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Singapore to welcome 3,500 new centi-millionaires amid housing market challenges

However, the housing market in Singapore faces significant challenges. New home sales are projected to reach their lowest levels since the financial crisis, with only 208 units sold in August 2024—representing a staggering 47% decline from the previous year. This downturn is attributed to a combination of high interest rates, a dearth of new housing projects, and developers' hesitance to lower prices despite rising home values. Market analysts are revising forecasts downward, indicating an overall decrease in total sales for 2024.

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KDDI launches “Povo Data Oasis” program to boost store visits

According to KDDI President and CEO Makoto Takahashi, users do not need to make a purchase to benefit from this data restoration. Instead, by simply opening the "povo" app while in-store, the system will utilize GPS and other location technologies to confirm their presence and grant the data allocation. Takahashi emphasized that this initiative aims to encourage more customers to visit Lawson stores, integrating digital rewards with physical shopping experiences.

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Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning navigates Japan’s contiguous zone for the first time

This maneuver comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, particularly concerning the Senkaku Islands—referred to as the Diaoyu Islands by China—where both countries assert sovereignty. The presence of the Liaoning in close proximity to Japanese territory raises concerns about military assertiveness and the potential for increased friction in these disputed waters.

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Dollar weakens ahead of FOMC meeting amid market uncertainty

The yen maintained its strength against other major currencies, with the euro dropping from 158 yen to 157 yen. Analysts suggest that this uptick in yen buying may represent a strategic position adjustment in anticipation of the FOMC meeting. Market sentiment remains highly focused on the outcomes of the meeting, which could shape future currency movements.

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