In a symbolic move to strengthen economic ties with the United States, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi showcased an American Ford F-150 truck during her meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo. The gesture was aimed at fostering goodwill, as Trump has long criticized Japan’s stringent vehicle safety standards and the scarcity of American cars in the country. The Ford F-150, a favorite of Trump, was prominently displayed as part of Takaichi’s efforts to align with U.S. trade interests. However, the practicality of large American vehicles in Japan remains questionable due to the country’s narrow roads, limited parking, and consumer preferences for compact or European models. Despite Trump’s enthusiasm for the idea, Japanese consumers and experts highlight challenges such as left-hand steering, lower fuel efficiency, and insufficient maintenance networks as barriers to the success of American car brands in Japan. This diplomatic maneuver comes amid ongoing trade negotiations, where Trump has pushed for increased purchases of American goods and investments in U.S. infrastructure. While Japan has committed to significant investments, it seeks to prioritize its own vendors and contractors in these deals.
博客
-
India’s hopes hit as Pratika Rawal ruled out of Women’s Cricket World Cup semifinals
India’s aspirations for clinching their maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup title have suffered a significant setback with the injury-induced withdrawal of star opening batter Pratika Rawal. Rawal, who has been in stellar form throughout the tournament, sustained an ankle injury during India’s final league-stage match against Bangladesh on Sunday. The match ended in a washout, but Rawal’s absence looms large as India prepares to face defending champions Australia in the semifinals.
-
Wall Street makes modest gains ahead of Fed rate announcement, Trump-Xi meeting
Wall Street showed signs of modest gains early Tuesday as investors awaited a series of corporate earnings reports and a highly anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and China’s top leader later this week. Futures for the S&P 500 edged up by less than 0.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose 0.3%. Nasdaq futures also saw a slight increase of 0.1% before the market opened.
-
1st US heavy rare earths separation facility planned in Louisiana
Aclara Resources Inc., a Canadian mining company based in Vancouver, has announced a significant $277 million investment to establish the first heavy rare earth separation facility in the United States. Located at the Port of Vinton in Louisiana’s Calcasieu Parish, the facility aims to refine rare earth metals essential for various industries, including consumer electronics, technology, and defense. The company plans to mine rare earth deposits in South America and process them at the Louisiana site using hydrochloric acid to extract and separate the metals from clay mineral deposits. The facility is expected to create 140 direct jobs and will occupy an LED Certified Site, prequalified for industrial development through rigorous environmental and engineering reviews. Louisiana’s robust chemical industry, skilled workforce, and strategic access to key reagents were pivotal factors in Aclara’s decision. The state has also offered a $3 million infrastructure grant and a job-creation grant covering up to 22% of wages, along with eligibility for the Industrial Tax Exemption Program, which provides significant property tax relief. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2027. Aclara emphasizes its sustainable mining practices, which include recirculating 95% of water used and replanting trees post-mining. The company plans to commence mining operations in Chile in 2027 and Brazil in 2028.
-
Zanzibar is seeing a seaweed boom. Can the women collecting it cash in?
In the picturesque coastal waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania, women clad in vibrant dresses wade through the shallows, their baskets filled with seaweed. This seemingly idyllic scene, often captured by tourists, belies the harsh realities of their labor-intensive work. Seaweed farming, a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s economy, employs thousands of women, yet it comes with significant physical and environmental challenges.
Seaweed, primarily exported for use in the global food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, has seen a surge in demand. This has spurred increased private investment and donor funding, making seaweed the third-largest contributor to Zanzibar’s economy after tourism and spices. However, the women who form the backbone of this industry often face grueling conditions.
Mwanaisha Makame Simai, a seaweed farmer, describes the physical toll: ‘I experience pain in my back, waist, and chest due to the labor in the sea. There are also risks of being stung or bitten. Sometimes strong waves sweep you away. I have personally witnessed three cases of people drowning.’
The industry’s growth is part of Zanzibar’s ‘blue economy’ initiative, aimed at leveraging sustainable marine resources for economic development. Global players like Cargill have invested in the sector, partnering with organizations like The Nature Conservancy to improve yields and farmers’ incomes. NGOs such as the Global Seaweed Coalition are also stepping up efforts to ensure the sector’s safety and sustainability.
Despite these advancements, the majority of Zanzibar’s 25,000 seaweed farmers, predominantly women, work independently or in collectives, selling to local middlemen with little to no protections. Long hours under the equatorial sun lead to backaches, skin irritation, and the risk of stings from sea creatures. Rising sea temperatures due to climate change have further compounded these challenges, forcing women to venture into deeper waters.
Efforts to empower these women are underway. Organizations like Milele Zanzibar Foundation are teaching women to swim to combat the growing drowning crisis. Mwani Zanzibar, a boutique seaweed farm and factory, is training women in cosmetics manufacturing, offering them higher-paying jobs and reducing their time spent in the sea.
However, concerns remain about the equitable distribution of benefits from the industry’s growth. Simai notes, ‘Most of the money ends up with those who have office jobs, rather than the hardworking farmers.’ As Zanzibar’s seaweed industry continues to expand, ensuring that its benefits reach those at the grassroots level remains a critical challenge.
-
Trial begins for man accused of killing former Japanese PM Abe with homemade firearm
The trial of Tetsuya Yamagami, the man accused of assassinating former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, commenced on Tuesday in Nara, Japan. The proceedings began as U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Japan for discussions with newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a conservative ally and protégé of Abe. During their meeting, Takaichi emphasized the strong relationship between Abe and Trump, with the latter praising Abe as a ‘great friend.’ Yamagami, 45, allegedly targeted Abe during a 2022 election speech, using a homemade firearm. His motive stemmed from a deep-seated resentment toward the Unification Church, which he believed had close ties to Abe and other Japanese politicians. Yamagami has claimed that his family’s financial ruin was caused by his mother’s substantial donations to the church, a South Korea-based organization founded in 1954. The trial, expected to conclude by mid-December, has drawn significant attention, particularly given Abe’s legacy as Japan’s longest-serving post-war prime minister. The Unification Church, known for its global political influence, has faced numerous lawsuits in Japan from families alleging financial exploitation. Despite these controversies, the church has historically maintained strong connections with Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
-
Australia denies visa to Dutch Olympian convicted of child rape
The Australian government has denied a visa to Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde, preventing him from competing in the upcoming Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited van de Velde’s criminal record as the primary reason for the decision. Van de Velde, 31, was convicted in 2016 of raping a 12-year-old girl in Britain and served 13 months of a four-year prison sentence. Despite his return to professional sports in 2018, his participation in international events has remained controversial. Van de Velde acknowledged the likelihood of visa rejection, stating that he and his team had anticipated the outcome. His ban also sidelines his teammate Alexander Brouwer, as the pair cannot compete without him. The decision aligns with Australia’s stringent visa policies, which include a “character test” to bar individuals deemed a risk to public safety. This move follows recent high-profile visa denials, including those of U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens and rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West). Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee emphasized the focus on delivering a successful event, highlighting the participation of nine Australian teams. Van de Velde’s case has reignited debates about the eligibility of athletes with criminal records in international sports.
-
WHO decries deadly attack on only functioning hospital in Sudan’s El-Fasher
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stern condemnation following a deadly assault on the only partially functional hospital in El-Fasher, Sudan. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed on Monday that the Saudi Maternity Hospital was targeted in the attack, resulting in the tragic death of one nurse and injuries to three other healthcare workers. Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the inability to gather further details due to a communication blackout in the region, which has severely hampered verification efforts. He urgently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to safeguard healthcare facilities and personnel. The attack underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, where ongoing conflict continues to devastate critical infrastructure and endanger lives. The WHO has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting medical facilities during conflicts, as they are vital for providing life-saving care to vulnerable populations. This incident highlights the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating crisis in Sudan and ensure the safety of healthcare workers and civilians alike.
-
Watch: Storm chasers fly inside the eye of Hurricane Melissa
In a breathtaking display of nature’s fury, the US Air Force Reserve’s elite ‘Hurricane Hunters’ have captured unprecedented footage from within the eye of Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm currently ravaging the Caribbean. The video, shared widely across media platforms, reveals the storm’s intensifying power as it churns through the region. The Hurricane Hunters, a specialized crew tasked with flying directly into hurricanes to gather critical data, provide invaluable insights into the storm’s structure and behavior. This daring mission not only aids meteorologists in predicting the hurricane’s path but also underscores the immense risks faced by those who confront such extreme weather phenomena head-on. As Hurricane Melissa continues to strengthen, the footage serves as a stark reminder of the Caribbean’s vulnerability to such catastrophic events.
-
Meta launches ‘ghost posts’ that disappear after 24 hours on Threads
Meta has unveiled a new feature called ‘ghost posts’ on its Threads app, designed to automatically archive posts 24 hours after they are published. This innovation mirrors the popular ‘stories’ feature found on Instagram and Facebook, aiming to increase user engagement and provide more flexible sharing options. The feature allows users to share spontaneous, unfiltered thoughts without the concern of long-term visibility, fostering a more casual and immediate form of communication. To create a ghost post, users simply toggle the ghost icon in the post creation menu, and these posts are distinguished in the feed by a grayed-out dotted chat bubble. Replies to ghost posts are sent directly to users’ messaging inboxes, maintaining privacy by not displaying likes or replies publicly. Launched in 2023 as a competitor to Elon Musk’s X, Threads has rapidly grown to 400 million active users as of August. Meta’s introduction of ghost posts is a strategic move to further solidify its position in the competitive social media landscape.