News

The Aoya Kamijichi Historical Park in Tottori, Japan, unveiled a reconstructed bust of a woman who lived there around 1,800 years ago. The bust, based on DNA analysis of her skull, depicts a woman with light skin, straight hair, and double eyelids, offering a glimpse into the face of an ancient inhabitant of the region.

Hyundai and General Motors are finalizing a deal where Hyundai will share its electric commercial van models with GM, while GM may offer pickup trucks for Hyundai’s North American lineup. The potential partnership could expand to other areas including joint efforts on battery technology, chip procurement, and even SUVs, as both automakers respond to growing Chinese EV competition and changing market dynamics.

Almost all locations in Tokyo experienced an increase in land prices in 2024, with an average overall rise of 7.3 percent, marking a fourth consecutive year of growth. The increasing demand for condominiums in central Tokyo and the influx of foreign visitors into commercial areas were key factors driving significant price hikes across various wards.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba outlined a five-year action plan during a meeting at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, focusing on strengthening economic security, mutual visits, and enhanced diplomatic dialogues. The discussion also highlighted plans to boost investments, form trade negotiations with Mercosur, and reaffirm shared democratic values and multilateral commitments.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is scheduled to visit the Philippines during the Golden Week holidays to strengthen the "quasi-alliance" between the two countries, particularly in light of China's growing military presence in the South China Sea. The visit also aims to demonstrate Japan's close ties with the Philippines to the United States, hoping to ensure that the U.S. remains committed to the region's security.