Latest from Yomiuri Shimbun
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan to Lead Charge on International Rules for Space Debris Removal; U.K., N.Z., Developing Countries Eyed as Partners
Courtesy of Astroscale Holdings Inc. A satellite operated by Astroscale Holdings Inc. captures an image of space debris created by a rocket launch. GENEVA — With the aim of creating international rules for space debris removal, the government is set to form a group of like-minded countries to discuss related challenges. Japan aims to take the initiative in establishing the rules by leveraging its technological advantage in the field. Its goal is ensuring the security of outer space and expanding the space business market. Minoru Kiuchi, state minister for science and technology policy who is in charge of space policies, will reveal the plan at a U.N. meeting to be held in Vienna on Wednesday. Along with defunct satellites, debris is also generated by rocket launches. Such debris orbits the Earth at extremely high speeds, and the amount is rapidly increasing amid a surge in space development. According to NASA, there are currently more than 20,000 pieces of debris, both small and large. The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space compiled guidelines in 2007 due to the risk of collision between operational satellites or the International Space Station and space debris. The guidelines ask countries to design probes and satellites which do not generate space debris when launched. However, the guidelines are not legally binding, so any response by a country is voluntary. There are also no rules for the removal of existing space debris, raising concerns among companies seeking to enter the space business. In Japan, Astroscale Holdings Inc., a Tokyo-based startup, has been developing its own space debris capture technology where tools such as robotic arms on a satellite capture debris and drop it into the atmosphere where it burns up before reaching the surface. The company is a global leader in the field. The government has decided to take on establishing international rules with countries that share a common understanding of the importance of space debris removal. It plans to discuss legal issues such as the removal of space debris generated by other countries, envisioning the results to be incorporated into future U.N. guidelines. The government expects the United Kingdom and New Zealand, countries which share an understanding on developing international rules with Japan, as well as developing countries seeking to enter the space business, will be founder members of the group. Japan aims to take the initiative in establishing international rules as soon as possible, as space debris removal technology could potentially be utilized by a country to neutralize another's satellites. It also seeks to establish order in space to head off China, which aims to become the space power.
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Figure Skating-Japan's Kaori Sakamoto to Retire after 2026 Winter Olympics
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images/File Photo Kaori Sakamoto wins silver in Womens Free Skating during the ISU World Figure Skating Championships on March 28 in Boston. Three-times world figure skating champion Kaori Sakamoto is to retire after the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics next year, the Japanese 25-year-old told reporters in Kobe on Friday. Sakamoto became the first woman in 56 years to win the figure skating world singles title three times in a row last year, matching the feat of American Peggy Fleming, who won three world titles between 1966-68. I feel like I have less than a year left. I'll be 29 at the following Olympics, which is out of the question, Kyodo news reported Sakamoto as saying. 'I'll try to bring things to a close the year I turn 26.' Sakamoto, who won bronze at the 2022 Winter Olympics, missed out on a fourth straight world title in March when she finished runner-up to American Alysa Liu.
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Destroyer Passed Through Taiwan Strait in Mid-June Amid China's Intensifying Military Activities
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo The Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Takanami in February 2020 The Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Takanami passed through the Taiwan Strait on June 12, several government sources said. This is the third time an MSDF vessel has passed through the strait, following September last year and March this year. The move is seen as an attempt to deter China, which is intensifying its military activities. After passing through the strait, the Takanami took part in a joint drill with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea on June 14.
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Emperor, Empress Visit Area Hit by 2014 Landslide in Hiroshima; Imperial Couple Pay Respects to Victims
Pool photo / The Yomiuri Shimbun The Emperor and Empress bow near a check dam in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima, on Friday. HIROSHIMA — The Emperor and Empress observed an area devastated 11 years ago by massive landslides caused by heavy rain, in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima, on Friday morning. The August 2014 landslides claimed the lives of 77 people, including those whose deaths occurred after the disaster but resulted from it. The Emperor and Empress made the visit as part of a trip to Hiroshima Prefecture. They observed a check dam, which was constructed to prevent disasters ***like the one in 2014***, in the Yagi district of the ward. They also listened to an official from the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry who explained that such dams are effective for flood control. The official also said that 23 people were killed near the site. The Imperial couple bowed silently twice, first toward the residential area where the victims perished and then upstream. The Imperial couple then went to the Hiroshima City Torrential Rain Disaster Memorial Center and looked at displays on the lessons learned from the disaster and on reconstruction efforts. They were to return to Tokyo on Friday afternoon. On Thursday, the Emperor and Empress paid their respects to the dead at the Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb and met with hibakusha. In the evening, the Imperial couple released their written impressions of the first day of their Hiroshima trip, in which they expressed sympathy for the victims. 'Thinking of the pain felt by the people in Hiroshima until now, we have renewed our wish for peace,' they wrote. The text also described their deep respect for the hibakusha, who have overcome difficulties and are tirelessly speaking out about their experiences and the importance of peace. The Emperor and Empress also found young people's efforts to pass down the experiences of the hibakusha 'very meaningful.'
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Works by Disabled Artists for Rent in Nagano; Proceeds Go to Original Creators
Courtesy of Zawameki Support Center 'Asamayama' by Kazuo Miyashita NAGANO — Replicas of pictures by disabled artists in Nagano Prefecture are now available for rent for individuals and organizations in the prefecture. Part of the rental fee is paid to the artists. The Nagano prefectural center for supporting art and cultural activities by the disabled, also called the Zawameki Support Center, started the program in late 2024. A total of 28 replicas have been rented out to be displayed in 19 places, including the prefectural government building and a hotel, as of May 23. The rental fee is ¥4,000 per replica per month, although artists can set prices if they wish, and the minimum rental period is three months. The artist receives the rental fee minus expenses such as producing and transporting the artwork. About 40 works by around a dozen artists, including Kazuo Miyashita of Ueda City and Mika Kamijo of Azumino City, are for rent. 'Artists say that having their works exhibited inspires them to create more and that they are glad they can earn money from it. We hope many people see these amazing works and their fan base grows,' a center official said.
