News

Russia has permanently banned nine Japanese citizens, including Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, from entering the country in retaliation for Japan's sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. This follows similar bans on 13 Japanese nationals in July 2024, reflecting Russia's use of entry bans as a response to international opposition.

Asian markets displayed a mixed performance on Wednesday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 edging up and Hong Kong's Hang Seng gaining slightly, while the Shanghai Composite remained relatively flat. The focus now shifts to the U.S. Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision and its forecasts for the economy.

Toyota Motor Corporation has postponed the construction of a lithium-ion battery factory in Fukuoka Prefecture due to sluggish demand for electric vehicles in the global market. The company is also considering pushing back the release date of its first next-generation EV model to ensure the quality of new technologies involved.

Intuitive Machines' Athena lunar lander successfully touched down on the Moon on Thursday, but its exact orientation remains unclear due to issues with its laser navigation system. Despite the uncertainty, the lander is communicating with controllers and generating solar power, and mission managers are working to assess the situation and determine whether its scientific instruments can be deployed.

A sociable ocean sunfish at Kaikyokan Aquarium in Japan began exhibiting signs of distress and weight loss after the aquarium closed for renovations and visitors stopped coming. Aquarium staff, suspecting the fish was feeling isolated, set up human cutouts outside its tank, which proved effective in restoring its normal behavior and appetite.