The Japanese government and ruling parties have begun seriously studying the feasibility of sending Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/25/japan/sdf-consider-minesweepers/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #sdf #sanaetakaichi #middleeast #iran #us #takayukikobayashi #defense
Japan assesses feasibility of sending minesweepers to Strait of Hormuz

Kobayashi said that sending minesweepers after the war is one option for securing Japan's national interests within legal constraints.

The Japan Times
Japan's easing of arms export restrictions is intended to strengthen security cooperation and defense capabilities while adapting to a more unstable global environment without abandoning its core pacifist principles. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/editorials/2026/04/24/japans-new-arms-export-stance/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #editorials #defernse #selfdefenseforces #china #us #contitution #article9 #sanaetakaichi
Japan’s new arms export stance and changing security realities

This new policy responds to the new security reality, recognizing that dangers are mounting and every nation must do more.

The Japan Times
The Guardian view on Germany, Japan and the end of the postwar order: as US alliances crumble, a new world emerges

Editorial: Developments in Berlin and Tokyo show how far the strategic environment has shifted in response to authoritarian threat and American unpredictability

The Guardian
Hanoi is reconsidering a ban on petrol-fuelled motorbikes from its center, which Honda had long criticized, as Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to visit the city. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/04/24/companies/vietnam-motorbikes-honda-ban-review/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #companies #hanoi #vietnam #honda #sanaetakaichi #vietnamjapanrelations #carmakers #motorbikes
Hanoi reviews petrol motorbike ban opposed by Honda ahead of Takaichi visit

The ban, announced last year, was aimed ​at improving air quality in the Vietnamese capital, which at times tops the list of ‌the world's ‌most polluted cities.

The Japan Times
The House of Representatives passed a bill to establish a national intelligence council designed to strengthen the government's intelligence capabilities. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/23/japan/politics/japan-intelligence-bill-lower-house-clear/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #diet #sanaetakaichi #ldp #cra
Japan Lower House OKs bill to boost intel capabilities

The bill calls for setting up a national intelligence council to be headed by the prime minister and a national intelligence bureau.

The Japan Times
Falling for Beijing’s anti-Japan propaganda is dangerously naive

This mischaracterization is rooted in Japan's wartime history, but also shaped by blatant ideological bias and propaganda.

The Japan Times
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed their nations would work to help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, such as ensuring passage through the Strait of Hormuz. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/23/japan/politics/japan-new-zealand-leaders-talks/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #sanaetakaichi #christopherluxon #newzealandjapanrelations
Japan and New Zealand’s leaders reaffirm cooperation over Middle East

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon agreed over the phone that ensuring stable supplies of energy and essential materials is important.

The Japan Times
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi asked for a quicker review of systems related to working hours, such as the discretionary labor system, under which pay is based on predetermined hours rather than actual hours worked. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/04/23/economy/japan-discretionary-work-review/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #economy #workstylereform #sanaetakaichi #japangrowthstrategycouncil
Takaichi asks for accelerated review of discretionary work system

As Japan's annual labor productivity growth has stayed at around 0% in inflation-adjusted real terms in recent years, the government also aims to raise it by 15% over five years.

The Japan Times

Agenzia Nova: Speciale difesa: Giappone-Nuova Zelanda, colloquio Takaichi-Luxon, cooperazione sicurezza tra temi centrali

22 apr 13:45 - (Agenzia Nova) - La prima ministra del Giappone, Sanae Takaichi, ha avuto oggi, 22 aprile, un colloquio telefonico con l'omologo... (Git)

Special defense: Japan-New Zealand, Takaichi-Luxon interview, security cooperation among key topics

April 22 13:45 - (Agenzia Nova) - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had a phone conversation today, April 22, with the equivalent… (Git)

#Japan #NewZealand #Takaichi #AgenziaNova #Japanese #SanaeTakaichi

https://www.agenzianova.com/a/69e8b4f217a139.49579058/7303996/2026-04-22/speciale-difesa-giappone-nuova-zelanda-colloquio-takaichi-luxon-cooperazione-sicurezza-tra-temi-centrali