POLITICS – 4
Japan's economic stimulus to surpass bn
The Japanese government plans to raise its fiscal spending to more than 10 trillion yen ( billion) in economic measures that will be finalized in early December, Nikkei has learned. (Nikkei)
South Korea reviews export screening in nod to Japan
South Korea is expanding its screening team for strategic exports by 50% to 45 members on Jan. 1, in response to Japanese concerns that chipmaking chemicals shipped to the country were being leaked for military use.
(Nikkei)
Former Japanese PM Yasuhiro Nakasone dies at 101
Former Japanese prime minister Yasuhiro Nakasone has died. He was known for forging strong ties with the US and privatizing industries. (NHK)
Japan protests N.Korea's missile launches
Japanese officials say North Korea launched two ballistic missiles on Thursday afternoon. (NHK)
Govt.:Japanese man held in China since July
Japan's Foreign Ministry says a Japanese man in his 50s has been in the custody of Chinese authorities in the southern inland province of Hunan since July. (NHK)
Lawmaker's disaster helmet drill sparks Twitter debate
Some Japanese lawmakers giggled this week during a drill to practice the use of disaster prevention helmets, at least one of which was put on backwards, prompting Twitter users to question if they were making light of a life-and-death matter. (Japan Today)
Japan mulls expansion of pension coverage to include more part-time workers
The government is considering incorporating more part-timers into the employee pension program by requiring companies with smaller workforces to participate, according to government sources. (Japan Times)
Abe's approval hit by questions over taxpayer-funded festivities
The approval rating of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet declined 7 points from last month to 50% in the latest Nikkei-TV Tokyo survey, taking a hit from the controversy over supporters being invited to a government-funded event to view cherry blossoms. (Nikkei)
Pope appeals for peace in Nagasaki
Pope Francis is in Nagasaki — a city that was devastated by an atomic bomb during the Second World War. Here is part of his message of peace, delivered from ground zero. (NHK)
Japan, S Korea strike fragile truce as wartime issues remain
South Korea's decision to salvage a military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan provides relief to those concerned over a breakdown in security cooperation between the neighbors in the face of missile threats from North Korea. (Japan Today)