The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.
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Japan asks U.S. to drop reciprocal tariffs, calls them regrettable
TOKYO - Japan has conveyed its "extreme regret" over the reciprocal tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, urging Washington to retract them, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday.
Hayashi, the top government spokesman, made the comments hours after a 24 percent reciprocal tariff took effect, despite Japan's request for an exemption.
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Japan PM, NATO chief meet to discuss partnership, Ukraine
TOKYO - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with visiting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday to discuss a further deepening of Japan's partnership with the military alliance and Russia's war in Ukraine.
Rutte's first visit to Japan in his current capacity comes as both Japan and NATO increasingly view the security of the Indo-Pacific region and that of Europe as inseparable.
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Japan gov't official vows to work to defend global financial markets
TOKYO - Japan will take every possible measure to defend global financial market stability, a senior Finance Ministry official said Wednesday, as Tokyo stocks plunge with concerns escalating that sweeping U.S. tariffs will deal a crushing blow to the world economy.
"We will monitor market developments with a high sense of vigilance," Atsushi Mimura, vice finance minister for international affairs, said after a meeting with officials from the Bank of Japan and the Financial Services Agency.
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3 Japan hairdressers held in China over immigration law violation
BEIJING - Three Japanese hairdressers have been detained in China on suspicion of engaging in businesses not permitted under their visas in violation of the country's immigration law, sources familiar with Sino-Japanese relations said Wednesday.
Chinese authorities, which detained the Beijing-based three on Tuesday, were expected to keep them in custody for 14 days. The Japanese Embassy in China has provided necessary support to them, the sources said.
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Japan's Jera to invest in major ammonia production project in U.S.
TOKYO - Japanese energy company Jera Co. said Wednesday it will take a 35 percent share in a $4 billion ammonia production project in Louisiana to build what would be the world's largest facility to produce low-carbon energy.
With plans to locally hire more than 1,000 people for construction, a Jera official said the investment comes in line with U.S. President Donald Trump's policy to boost U.S. investments and create jobs. Production of ammonia at the facility is set to start in 2029, according to the Japanese firm.
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Lee quits as S. Korea opposition chief, expected to run for president
SEOUL - The head of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae Myung, resigned as leader Wednesday, amid expectations that he will soon make a presidential bid.
The front-runner for the June presidential election in opinion polls announced his resignation during a meeting of the party, which controls parliament and was the main force behind the removal of Yoon Suk Yeol from the South Korean presidency last week.
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Nikkei stock index ends down 4% after more U.S. tariffs enforced
TOKYO - The Nikkei stock index ended down nearly 4 percent Wednesday, retreating from the previous day's sharp rebound, as selling accelerated on fears of an economic slowdown following the United States imposition of additional country-specific tariffs, including on Japan.
The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average tumbled 1,298.55 points, or 3.93 percent, from Tuesday to 31,714.03. The broader Topix index finished 82.69 points, or 3.40 percent, lower at 2,349.33.
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Foxconn to produce EV for Japan automaker in Oceania market in 2026
TOKYO - Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn said Wednesday it plans to produce an EV for a Japanese automaker for sale in the Oceanian market next year and aims to introduce multiple EVs for the Japanese market by 2027 as it seeks to expand its fledgling EV business.
The Taiwanese contract manufacturer, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., is exploring opportunities to collaborate with existing automakers, Jun Seki, chief strategy officer for EVs, said in a briefing in Tokyo.
Video: Cherry blossoms in full bloom in Yoshino in the western Japan prefecture of Nara
