China sea. And Business Owners in a city on the japan sea coast are hoping the launch of a new high speed train line linking them to tokyo will bring them new opportunities. Prime minister shinzo abe is meeting with german chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss issues of mutual concern. This is the first time in seven years that merkel has visited japan. Japanese government sources say abe wants to confirm the two countries will continue to play an active role in contributing to global peace and stability. They say abe use merkels efforts to force dialogue resolving the conflict in eastern ukraine. Scattered fighting between prorussian separatists and Government Forces continues in the region despite a ceasefire that has been in place since midfebruary. Abe wants to promote talks with germany in dealing with russia and extending support for ukraine. Hes likely to suggest that pressure on russia is necessary, and that sanctions alone arent enough. Also expected to be on the agenda is china
Afghanistan is on his first visit to the United States since taking office. A trip aimed at repairing and rebooting relations. Japans defense minister is Standing Firm on moving a u. S. Air base in okinawa. Jen nakatani says in order to suspend relocation work wont change anything. Translator i was not aware of any problems in the procedures leading up to the survey. So the governor will continue with the plan. Nakatani says he wants people in okinawa to understand that its important to move the futenma air station from a heavily populated area. He says its necessary for National Security and to reduce the burden on the prefecture. Okinawa governor takashi onaga says the survey work has probably damaged coral reefs. He told the Regional Bureau of the Defense Ministry on monday to suspend survey work. Onaga says if Ministry Officials dont cooperate, he will revoke a marine drilling permit the previous governor issued. About 80 people protested next to the site of the planned base. Trans
Passed a landmark bylaw recognizing samesex partnerships as the equivalent of marriage. Families of japanese citizens abducted to north korea in the 1970s and 80s are still hoping to learn about the fates of their loved ones. Officials in pyongyang pledged last may to launch a new investigation into what happened to them. But they failed to deliver reports on their progress. So japanese leaders have decided to extend economic sanctions for two more years. Cabinet ministers approved the extension on tuesday. The sanctions had been set to expire in two weeks. Translator japan will use pressure and dialogue to resolve the abduction issue, and other pending issues related to north korea. Reporter japanese officials have named 17 people who were abducted by north korean agents. But the victims families and police say the real number may reach into the hundred. Officials in tokyo first imposed the sanctions in 2006. They prohibit north korea from engaging in trade with japan. This isnt the f
For a u. S. Air base. And baristas share their techniques for making coffee taste and look good. Militants have seized most of the Palestinian Refugee camp in syrias capital damascus. Theyve set off an intense battle with Government Forces. And theyve trapped thousands of People Living in the camp. Fighters with the Group Islamic state and an al qaeda affiliate defeated another armed group and took over the camp. Syrian Government Forces fought back using fighter jets to drop barrel bombs. Palestinian refugees are trapped in the middle of the battle. The man says theres not enough food for the people remaining in the camp. He says supplies of water, food and medicine have stopped since the militants launched their attacks. Government Officials Say the air raids have forced some of the Islamic State militants to withdraw. But members of the al qaeda affiliate nusra front remain in the camp. Egyptian authorities are on alert after a second bomb attack in as many days. An explosion in cen
And boko haram attacks are forcing thousands of nigerians to flee their country. One boy describes how he got away. Bullish investors sent japans stock market past a key milestone. The benchmark nikkei index touched the 20,000 level today. The first time its been that high in 15 years. Gene otani from the biz desk has more. Gene tell us whats got everyone so excited. Well the key word is touched. Because it ended a fraction lower for the day. Some investors seem comfortable with corporate japan finally turning a corner. Theyre buying up shares on expectations that companies will be posting stronger earnings this year. The nikkei index has been inching steadily closer to the 20,000 mark in recent weeks and it finally crossed over today, soon after the markets opened. It didnt stay there long though. Some investors started selling shares. That caused the index to close down 0. 15 in 19,907 ending three days of gains. Stock dealers at a major Securities Firm in tokyo let out a loud cheer