What happened in japan this week?

September 18-24, 2023

Politics and Diplomacy:

- PM Kishida Meets World Leaders at UNGA: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and held numerous bilateral meetings with world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and the leaders of France, the UK, and Germany, to discuss pressing global issues such as climate change, the war in Ukraine, and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

- Russian Foreign Minister Visit: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Japan for talks with his Japanese counterpart, Yoshimasa Hayashi. The two discussed a range of issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the status of the disputed Kuril Islands, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

- North Korean Missile Tests: Japan strongly condemned North Korea's launch of two ballistic missiles towards the sea off its eastern coast. The move heightened tensions in the region, prompting the Japanese government to issue an emergency alert for nearby residents and temporarily suspend rail operations.

Economy and Business:

- BoJ Maintains Ultra-Loose Monetary Policy: The Bank of Japan (BoJ) decided to maintain its ultra-accommodative monetary policy, keeping interest rates at historic lows to stimulate the economy and counteract inflationary pressures.

- Mitsubishi Electric Profits Surge: Mitsubishi Electric reported a significant surge in its net profit for the first half of the fiscal year, buoyed by strong demand for factory automation systems, semiconductors, and power-related products.

- Toyota Production Hit by Typhoon: Typhoon Nanmadol caused disruptions to Toyota's production operations in Kyushu, resulting in temporary shutdowns of some factories and delays in vehicle shipments.

Society and Culture:

- Royal Family News: The Imperial Household Agency announced that Crown Princess Kiko, wife of Crown Prince Akishino, has postponed her planned trip to Bhutan due to health concerns.

- Popular Manga Series Concludes: The long-running manga series "Bleach" by Tite Kubo came to an end after a successful 15-year run, leaving fans worldwide eagerly awaiting the upcoming live-action film adaptation.

- Typhoon Nanmadol Devastates Kyushu: Typhoon Nanmadol made landfall in Kyushu, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions. The storm left extensive damage in its wake, with authorities reporting hundreds of thousands of households without power and more than 1 million people advised to evacuate.

Sports:

- Baseball Playoff Race Heats Up: The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) pennant race reached its climax as teams jostle for the final playoff spots. The Yomiuri Giants, Hanshin Tigers, and Tokyo Yakult Swallows are among the contenders vying for the prestigious title.

- Rugby World Cup Preparations: Japan hosted the final test matches ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in France in September. The Brave Blossoms, Japan's national rugby team, aim to build momentum and make an impact on the global stage.

Arts and Entertainment:

- J-Pop Sensation NiziU Releases New Album: The all-girl pop group NiziU, formed through a popular audition program, released their second full-length album titled "NMIXX." The album topped the charts and received positive reception from fans.

- Anime Convention Returns: The Tokyo Game Show, Japan's largest gaming convention, made its in-person comeback after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Gamers and enthusiasts flocked to the event to experience the latest gaming innovations and upcoming titles.