Dancers perform during Turkey's National Day event at the World Exposition in Osaka on April 23, 2025. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.
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Japan mulls expanding imports of soybeans, corn in U.S. tariff talks
TOKYO - The Japanese government is considering increasing imports of U.S. soybeans and corn as part of ongoing negotiations with Washington over U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on automobiles, steel, aluminum and other goods, a government source said Friday.
Japan is looking to step in and take up excess supply created by falling U.S. exports of the two crops to China due to heightened trade friction between Washington and Beijing. By doing so, it hopes to win exemptions from U.S. tariffs, the source said.
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Japan main opposition party aims to cut tax on food as election looms
TOKYO - Japan's major opposition party said Friday it wants the consumption tax rate on food items to be scrapped for a year, ahead of a crucial parliamentary election this summer.
The country is bracing for the prospect of persisting inflation and a hit from higher U.S. tariffs, prompting political parties, to a varying degree, to consider the feasibility of reducing the current 10-percent consumption tax to appease voters in the run-up to the House of Councillors election.
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Amazon Japan ordered to pay 35 mil. yen for allowing listing of fakes
TOKYO - A Japanese court on Friday ordered the Japanese unit of online retail giant Amazon.com Inc. to pay 35 million yen ($244,000) in damages for failing to take measures to stop sellers from offering fake products on its platform.
The focus of the trial at the Tokyo District Court was on the degree of obligation Amazon Japan G.K. has to police listings, and how much effort it must make to identify and remove counterfeit goods.
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Japan's FY 2023 greenhouse gas emissions hit record low for 2nd year
TOKYO - Japan's greenhouse gas emissions fell to a record low in fiscal 2023 for the second straight year on the back of reduced manufacturing activity and a greater share for renewable and nuclear energy in power generation, the government said Friday.
National emissions in the year through March 2024 totaled 1.07 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, down 4 percent from fiscal 2022 and marking the lowest level since comparable data became available in fiscal 1990.
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Japan's emperor conveys condolences over death of Pope Francis
TOKYO - Japan's Emperor Naruhito has conveyed the imperial family's condolences over the death of Pope Francis to the acting head of the Vatican, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Imperial Household Agency said Friday.
The emperor sent the message on Wednesday from himself, Empress Masako, and his parents, former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, the agency said.
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March duty-free sales at Japan dept. stores fall, 1st drop in 3 yrs
TOKYO - Duty-free sales at department stores across Japan dropped 10.7 percent in March from a year earlier to 44.2 billion yen ($308.4 million) due to a stronger yen and falling consumer confidence on concerns over a global recession, an industry body said Friday.
The data marks the first monthly decline since March 2022 despite the number of inbound customers hitting a record high for the month. Spending per capita sank by 21.3 percent, according to the Japan Department Stores Association.
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Pakistan retaliates after India closes border, suspends water treaty
ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI - Pakistan has announced a series of retaliatory steps against India after New Delhi closed the main border crossing, suspended a river water sharing treaty and imposed other punitive measures following a deadly militant attack in the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir.
India has blamed Pakistan for the incident that occurred in the disputed region Tuesday and killed 25 Indians and one Nepalese. Pakistan denies any involvement, and a local militant group has claimed responsibility.
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TOKYO - Seven & i Holdings Co.'s incoming CEO Stephen Dacus has vowed to speed up decision-making at the Japanese retailer group to increase its corporate value with continuing takeover interest from Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
Speaking at a recent media briefing, Dacus, who will take over the top role from Ryuichi Isaka on May 27, said that under his management, decision-making will be team-oriented, emphasizing that the company plans to shift away from the traditional top-down style the company has long operated under.
Video: Divers take carp streamers swimming in sea in Wakayama
