TheNewsGuru

Tag: Japan

  • NASENI signs MoU with Israel, Japan on manufacturing of electric cars

    NASENI signs MoU with Israel, Japan on manufacturing of electric cars

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israeli and Japanese companies to commence assembling and manufacturing environmentally friendly, green, electric and smart automobiles by 2023.

    NASENI entered into partnership with the Israeli, Japanese and Nigerian companies on Thursday, in Abuja.

    Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria,  Michael Freeman, said that the partnership which was a combination of Israeli, Japanese and Nigerian technologies would help address the many challenges affecting the transport and environmental sectors in Nigeria.

    “It is a project that is a partnership with Israeli, Japanese and Nigerian companies taking place in Nigeria.

    “What is special about this project is that it is a timely project that combines Israeli technologies, Japanese technologies, Nigerian entrepreneurship and innovation together to create a project that is going to work fabulously.

    “We are talking about bringing electronic Motorcycles into Nigeria which will be a programme that is green, environmentally friendly.

    “It offers people a cheap way and safe way of transport and even has a technology to ensure that the motorcycles are only used for legal and appropriate purposes.

    “When we look at what the problems are in the world and in also in Africa and in Nigeria, we are talking about issues of fuel scarcity, we are talking about green technology, we are talking about the need to provide cleaner, cheaper, easier transport.

    ‘And here we are, having Israeli and Japanese companies coming together with Nigerian partners to provide cleaner, greener, newer, exciting technology that is expected to move people, population across the country.

    “I believe that a programme that is going to start in Nigeria will be successful and will go across Africa,” Freeman said.

    Prof. Mohammed Haruna, Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI, lauded the collaboration which he said had  come to stay and would be domesticated in the country.

    Haruna said that this project Nigeria would see to the manufacturing of Nigerian made electrical vehicles in the nearest future.

    “The first attempt to domesticate certain technologies in this country, especially in the automobile industry has not worked with continuous importation.

    “NASENI has come into this now with the perfect partners, Japanese and Israeli companies their technologies are proven and known.

    “But most importantly, Nigeria will not just be consuming this technology, we are here to make sure that we domesticate, produce and manufacture in Nigeria.

    ‘We are grateful and we are happy with this collaboration and we assure Nigerians that the automobile industry after this collaboration will not be the same again,” Haruna said.

    Dr Ayal Raz, Representative of Israeli Company, Peramare Enterprise, said that against some perception, Nigeria was safe to invest.

    “With this innovative idea, we believe is going to change so many things in the face of Nigeria.

    “It will bring green energy which means cheaper cost of transport and we all know what that means for our people.

    “It will give work to the people because it is industry, we are going to put a factory here, we will start with assembling then building. It will give us less pollution and greener air.

    “Nigeria is safe to do business and by the special grace of God it is going to come during  the first quarter of 2023, “ Raz said.

    Mr  Sasi Shilo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SIXAI, and Japanese Partner said that his company beyond production is keen on supporting the African continent, Nigeria build a sustainable nation  with clean and safe technologies.

    “It is very exciting moment. We have been working in the automobile industry for about half a decade, we have certified plants in fourteen different countries.

    “We really want to contribute to African nation with our technology. What we want to bring is not only to produce but what we want to achieve is to support the African nation to be sustainable.

    “Through our products with safety and environmentally friendly features in our technology,” Sasi said.

    Hon. Wadada Aliyu, Chairman, PAN Nigeria Limited, described the initiative as historic and a starting point for technological evolution in Nigeria.

    “This is historic because Nigeria is conforming with the order of the day which is green environment and memorable because NASENI has set the ball rolling.

    “This synergy between Israeli, Japan, NASENI and PAN as a facility where the assembling will be done, I think the sky will be a starting point of technological evolution in Nigeria,” Aliyu said.

    Newsmen reports that the project was facilitated by Nigerian company, LINKSMAN International LTD.

    Mr Madisca Haruna, Managing Director, LINKSMAN International LTD said the project seeks to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, Goal 7 which seeks to enhance international cooperation, facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.

  • Body of murdered ex-Japan PM, Abe back in Tokyo

    Body of murdered ex-Japan PM, Abe back in Tokyo

    The remains of murdered former prime minister Shinzo Abe are back in Tokyo, a day after he was shot dead while on the campaign trail in the old imperial city Nara.

    The body of the 67-year-old was accompanied by his widow, Akie Abe, as it was transported by ambulance.

    Broadcaster NHK reported that the vehicle drove to the Abe residence.

    Prime Minister Fumio Kishida paid a condolence visit.

    Well-wishers have been leaving flowers at the site of the shooting.

    Meanwhile, the man who shot and killed former Abe on Friday has told investigators that he originally intended his target to be the leader of a religious group, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Saturday.

    The 41-year-old Japanese man who shot Abe from behind with a home-made gun at close range during an election campaign speech in the city of Nara told investigators he had been “dissatisfied” with Abe and had wanted to kill him.

    The man reportedly held a grudge against an unnamed religious group that he believed had links to Abe.

    The Japanese police now face many questions about how the shooting could have happened, with experts asking why those working in Abe’s security detail were unable to prevent the attack.

    “I don’t think there are enough firearms precautions in Japan given its strict gun laws,” one security expert was quoted as saying by the Nikkei newspaper.

    The National Police Agency now intends to review its security arrangements for the protection of prominent figures, according to media reports.

    The police searched the perpetrator’s flat on Friday, seizing several other home-made firearms.

    The assassin was reportedly unemployed, but is believed to have served in the navy for three years before his discharge in 2005.

    It is thought the suspect received handgun training during his time in the navy.

    Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world and has extremely strict gun laws.

    The assassination happened in the run up to elections for the upper house of parliament on Sunday.

    The vote is to take place as planned in spite of the attack, according to the government.

  • BREAKING: Shot Ex-Japanese PM, Shinzo Abe is dead

    BREAKING: Shot Ex-Japanese PM, Shinzo Abe is dead

    Former Japanese Prime Minister (PM), Shinzo Abe, who was shot while delivering a campaign speech, has died, according to local media report.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Abe, 67, was shot while giving a campaign speech in Nara, Japan.

    He was Japan’s longest-serving Prime Minister. He served from 2006 to 2007 and then again from 2012 to 2020, before stepping down due to chronic health issues.

    Abe was in the middle of a speech on the street when he was shot. Witnesses heard two loud bangs accompanied by smoke that confused the scene. Abe reportedly suffered bullet wounds, local reports say.

    Meanwhile, the police in Japan have arrested one suspect and kept in custody. The suspect is a 41-year old local man. Defense sources say he worked for the Maritime Self Defense Force for three years until around 2005.

    Authorities have identified the suspect as Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, according to NHK. A weapon, described as a shotgun, was recovered at the scene.

    TNG reports Abe’s funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

  • BREAKING: Japan ex-PM, Shinzo Abe shot, rushed to hospital

    BREAKING: Japan ex-PM, Shinzo Abe shot, rushed to hospital

    Former Japan Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe was taken to hospital on Friday after being shot from behind by what appeared to be a man with a shotgun.

    He was delivering a speech in the western city of Nara, public broadcaster NHK said.

    Abe, 67, appeared to be in a state of cardiac arrest, the network said and Kyodo news agency. Shots were heard and a white puff of smoke was seen as Abe made a campaign stump speech outside a train station, NHK said.

    An NHK reporter on the scene said they could hear two consecutive bangs during Abe’s speech.

    The chief cabinet secretary will brief media at 0400 GMT.

    Abe served two terms as prime minister to become Japan’s longest-serving premier before stepping down in 2020 citing ill health.

    But he has remained a dominant presence over the ruling Liberal Democratic party (LDP) party, controlling one of its major factions.

    His protege, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, faces an upper house election on Sunday in which analysts say he hopes to emerge from Abe’s shadow and define his premiership.

    Abe first took office in 2006 as Japan’s youngest prime minister since World War Two. After a year plagued by political scandals, voter outrage at lost pension records, and an election drubbing for his ruling party, Abe quit citing ill health.

    He became prime minister again in 2012.

    Abe hails from a wealthy political family that included a foreign minister father and a great-uncle who served as premier.

  • Neymar penalty kick earns narrow win for Brazil against Japan

    Neymar penalty kick earns narrow win for Brazil against Japan

    Brazil earned a 1-0 win in a friendly match against Japan in Tokyo on Monday, thanks to a penalty kick from Neymar.

    Brazil dominated for large periods in the pouring rain at the New Japan National Stadium and squandered several goalscoring chances.

    Neymar’s penalty kick finally broke the deadlock in the 77th minute.

    The victory means the Selecao have won five consecutive games, and have not lost since July when they were beaten by Argentina in the Copa America final.

    Both teams came into the came on the back of big wins last time out Thursday, with Japan thumping Paraguay 4-1, while Brazil went one better in beating South Korea 5-1.

    Brazil almost took the lead inside two minutes as a neat play between Vinicius Junior and Neymar ended with the latter backheeling to Lucas Paqueta.

    He hit the post after shooting across Shuichi Gonda in the Japan goal.

    Japan had a brief period in the first half where they caused some problems for Tite’s side, with Takumi Minamino getting some joy between the lines.

    But Brazil soon established their dominance as they created more chances.

    Casemiro should have put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute but could only guide a header from a Raphinha free-kick over the crossbar.

    Thereafter, Neymar had a shot parried away by Gonda and Raphinha bent a direct free-kick just wide of the left-hand post.

    Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus were introduced just after the hour and the Arsenal forward almost made an immediate impact.

    But he could only guide his shot wide of the far post after the ball was cushioned down for him by Casemiro.

    The hosts’ only real chance of note came in the 72nd minute, when Junya Ito fired over with a volley at the far post.

    Brazil were awarded a penalty kick shortly after, when substitute Richarlison was fouled by Wataru Endo.

    Neymar then sent Gonda the wrong way from the spot for them to win the game.

  • Toyota to shutdown Japanese production lines due to cyber attack

    Toyota to shutdown Japanese production lines due to cyber attack

    Japanese carmaker, Toyota Motor Corp, Monday said it was preparing to shut down all of its plants in Japan from March 1 due to a cyber attack on one of its domestic suppliers, according to local media reports.

    The company Toyota will temporarily shut down operations at 28 production lines in 14 factories nationwide.

    Supplier, Kojima Industries, suspects it may have been hit by a cyberattack; the supplier makes metal, plastic and electronic components.

    Toyota has been suffering from chip shortages and COVID-19-related disruptions since January.

    The latest shutdown comes at a time when the automaker is looking to ramp up production and make up for lost production to meet the soaring demand for cars.

  • Japan to impose sanctions on Russia

    Japan to impose sanctions on Russia

    Japan will impose sanctions on Russia targeting semiconductor exports and financial institutions, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday after G7 leaders agreed to punish Moscow economically for invading Ukraine.

    The announcement came after Russian President Vladimir Putin unleashed a full-scale ground invasion and air assault on Thursday.

    Kishida said the world’s third-largest economy planned “asset freezes and the suspension of visa

    Kishida said the world’s third-largest economy planned “asset freezes and the suspension of visa issuance for Russian individuals and organisations” as well as asset freezes “targeting Russian financial institutions”.

    “Thirdly, we will sanction exports to Russian military-related organisations, and exports to Russia of general-purpose goods such as semiconductors and items on a restricted list based on international agreements,” he told reporters.

    Kishida did not detail the scale of the sanctions or which individuals and institutions would be targeted, though local media said Bank Rossiya, Promsvyazbank and Russia’s economic development bank VEB would be hit.

    Semiconductors are essential components in products from cars to gaming consoles and are in short supply worldwide.

    The United States has also announced export controls on sensitive components that US President Joe Biden said will “cut off more than half of Russia’s high-tech imports”.

  • Japan’s Princess Mako marries a commoner

    Japan’s Princess Mako marries a commoner

    Japan’s Princess Mako has married her non-royal boyfriend Kei Komuro.

    The Imperial Household Bureau submitted the necessary documents for the couple to officially register the marriage with the authorities on Tuesday, Japanese media reported.

    The muted ceremony took place without any of the traditional celebrations after controversies over money in Komuro’s family that has been the subject of extensive reportage in Japan.

    With her marriage to Komuro complete, Princess Mako officially leaves Japan’s imperial family.

    Mako, 30, was originally due to marry her college sweetheart in 2018 but the wedding was delayed due to widespread public criticism over the relationship.

    The negative media attention caused Mako to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), court officials announced shortly before their marriage.

    Mako has planned to leave Japan to start a new life in the United States, where Komuro works for a law firm.

    Komuro, 30, had gone to the U.S. to study law after the already announced wedding to Mako was cancelled in 2018.

    He recently finished his studies there and passed the bar exam in New York.

    Mako is the niece of Japanese Emperor Naruhiton.

    Under Japanese law, female members of the imperial family lose their royal status if they marry a commoner.

    Following the scandal surrounding Komuro’s status as a regular civilian, the media has been obsessed with financial problems in Komuro’s family.

    There have been accusatory reports for years that Mako’s future husband’s mother owed money to a man to whom she had once been engaged, although there is disagreement as to whether the money was a gift or a loan.

    Many Japanese were outraged by the possibility that the dispute could be settled with Mako’s tax-financed royal dowry of 150 million yen (1.3 million dollars).

    The princess had since renounced her dowry.

    Komuro had said that he could use his own money to pay off his mother’s debt.

  • Tokyo Olympics: D’Tigress lose final group game to Japan

    Tokyo Olympics: D’Tigress lose final group game to Japan

    Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on Monday failed to lift their game and consequently succumbed 102-83 to their Japanese counterparts in the basketball event of the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

    D’Tigress’ loss to Japan made it three losses from three Games they played in Group B of the women’s competition’s group stage, having lost earlier to the U.S and France.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Japanese team proved too hot for the D’Tigress as they won 30-22 in the first quarter, relying mostly on three-pointers.

    They kept the momentum and held on to their strategy of making successful points at the three-points line and working hard on the offensive and defensive ball play.

    The second quarter was played with a lot of intensity as D’Tigress worked to keep their heads in the game but unfortunately fell 21-16 to Japan.

    Japan also took the third quarter, outscoring D’Tigress 33-19, relying more again on the three-points shots.

    By the fourth quarter, when D’Tigress seemed to have overcome their lethargy, winning 26-18, the Japanese who were playing their best game so far in the competition were home and dry.

    By then, they had successfully recorded 19 three-points shots to coast home to a great win.

    NAN reports that the win meant Japan progressed to the quarterfinals, having won two out of their three group games.

    The Nigerian team were making a return to the Olympics since the 2004 edition in Athens, Greece.

  • Tokyo Olympics: Japan beat Australia in opening softball game

    The Tokyo Olympics started in earnest on Wednesday, even if unofficially or unceremoniously, after a one-year postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Games started with Japan’s 8-1 win over Australia in the opening round of the women’s softball tournament.

    The match kicked off at 9 a.m (0000 GMT) in Fukushima, the city hit hard by the tsunami-caused meltdown at the nuclear power station in 2011.

    Three softball and six women’s football matches are scheduled in total for Wednesday, two days before Friday’s opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games.

    Also in action is the U.S women’s football team, with the world champions seeking revenge against Sweden after they lost to the Swedes in the 2016 quarter-finals.

    Japan won the last Olympic softball tournament in 2008.

    The sport was dropped at the 2012 and 2016 Games and will also not feature in 2024.