Komeito leader Saito told senior members of the party’s regional organizations that, following the party’s departure from its coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party, he intends to establish a new party vision centered on centrist reform by the time of the party convention next autumn, saying in the meeting that he is determined to raise the banner of centrist reform high within Japanese politics and open up a new horizon by serving as a unifying axis across the ruling and opposition blocs. (News On Japan)

"For many years, criticizing politicians for being 'soft on China' has been an effective tactic. (News On Japan)

Two young brothers were among the latest killed - reportedly in an Israeli air strike as the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile.

Two young brothers were among the latest killed - reportedly in an Israeli air strike as the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile.

A tour of a traditional Japanese onsen and ryokan in Yufuin Onsen, a small town on Kyushu island in southern Japan. (Gabriel Traveler)

The two ships stuck by drones were thought to be used to bypass Western sanctions on Russia.