The top or most interesting stories from Japan for February 11
– The Japanese government cabinet has approved guidelines allowing Japan to provide aid money to foreign countries, including their military and security apparatuses, but the money should only be used for non-military purposes. (The Japan News, Asahi AJW)
Analysts have described the idea of donating money for non-military purposes to a foreign country’s military as a “contradiction”. The government argues the distribution of funds or Overseas Development Aid (ODA) will be handled on a case by case basis.
– Anti-US base activists have taken photos of underwater anchors near Hakano which they say are damaging the coral reef. The planned construction of a new US-air base in Hakano, Okinawa Prefecture, is embroiled in political controversy with activists staging a mass protest outside the Diet last month.
– A wealthy Japanese investor has told The Japan Times he believes foreign workers and robots are the answer to Japan’s labor shortage and ageing population.
– Thousands of people, including journalists and documentarians, have signed a petition criticising the climate of self-censorship that has engulfed Japan in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shootings and the Japanese hostage crisis.
