The number of visitors to Japan in 2016 will surge 19.0 pct from the previous year to hit another record high of 23.5 million, topping the government’s target of 20 million, according to a recent estimate by major travel agency JTB Corp. The upbeat outlook is attributed in part to a growing number of foreign […]
The Philippine Supreme Court on Jan. 12 declared as constitutional a defense pact that allows American forces, warships and planes to temporarily base in local military camps, in a boost to U.S. efforts to reassert its presence in Asia as China rises to regional dominance. Ten of the 15 members of the high court also […]
The government will open the State Guest House known as Akasaka Palace to the public from Feb. 5 to 18 on a trial basis in preparation for the extension of its annual opening period from April. Designated as a national treasure, the guesthouse in the Moto-Akasaka area of Minato Ward, Tokyo, has until now been […]
An unlimited-ride ticket offered by Japan Railway (JR) companies that can only be used on local and rapid JR trains at present will be utilized on a stretch of the Hokkaido Shinkansen Line when it starts in March, JR firms announced Jan. 5. It will mark the first time the special one-day Seishun 18 ticket […]
A film co-directed by a Filipino bagged the best animated picture at the recently concluded 73rd Golden Globes awards. The film “Inside Out” was co-directed by Filipino Ronnie del Carmen. Del Carmen couldn’t make it to the awards show due to work but he earlier expressed his feelings about the success of his film. “It’s […]
Japan could start using self-defense force in response to Chinese intrusion around the disputed islands. Top government spokesperson Yoshihide Suga explained the Cabinet approved the objective in May last year, saying foreign naval passage into Japanese seas would trigger seaborne policing action. Suga said it stated its warnings against China through diplomatic channels last November […]
The United States (US) on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement as it would further strengthen its bilateral relationship with the Philippines. “EDCA is a mutually beneficial agreement that will enhance our ability to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and help build capacity for the Armed Forces […]
The Foreign Ministry has decided to require new staff to score at least 100 points on the TOEFL English proficiency test, or at least 7.0 on the IELTS test, beginning in fiscal 2016, so they can be helpful in diplomatic negotiations in English from the start. The requirement will be set for prospective staff scheduled […]
Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will make a five-day trip to the Philippines from Jan 26 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines. It will be the first official visit by a Japanese emperor to the Southeast Asian country, where around 1.1 million […]
South Korea said Monday it was discussing the further deployment of U.S. “strategic assets” following a flyover by a U.S. B-52 bomber in response to North Korea’s latest nuclear test. U.S. forces in South Korea were also put on their highest level of alert Monday in case of any provocation from North Korea, following last […]
