Episode 44
Japan Update – COVID Border Measures Lifted & more – 2nd May 2023
Japan lifted its COVID-19 border controls, Kishida began his tour in Africa, G-7 ministers discussed the responsible use of AI, Japanese space startup Ispace's Moon landing failed, and much more!
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Transcript
On Saturday the 29th, Japan lifted its COVID-19 border controls for all arrivals ahead of schedule. The government anticipated an increase in travelers during the annual Golden Week -that has many Japanese holidays and also began on the 29th. Individuals will no longer be required to present proof of at least three COVID-19 vaccination doses or a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of departure upon arrival in Japan. Initially, the government had planned to ease these border measures on the 8th of May, which coincides with the end of the extended Golden Week holidays. And also on the same date that the legal status of coronavirus will be downgraded as a common infectious disease like seasonal influenza.
ince taking office in October:
Speaking of the Prime Minister’s visits …
On Sunday the 30th, PM Kishida began a tour in Africa before hosting the G-7 summit. He visited Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Egyptian President.They agreed to cooperate on Sudan's transition to civilian rule amid ongoing military conflicts. They also stressed the importance of maintaining international order based on the rule of law in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kishida, as the G-7 chair, pledged to contribute to bringing the situation under control and providing emergency humanitarian aid to refugees. They also talked about stabilizing the food supply. Kishida expressed Japan's willingness to extend yen loans to Egypt for efficient agricultural water use and improved productivity.
Africa since taking office in:
Speaking of the G-7 summit …
The recent attacks on Japan's current and former prime ministers, Kishida and Abe, have raised concerns over the country's ability to protect high-profile figures, especially in light of the upcoming G-7 summit in Hiroshima. Despite Japan's reputation as one of the world's safest countries, it is the only developed nation where high-ranking political figures have been targeted recently. In response, Japan's National Police Agency has established a section dedicated to guarding imperial family members and dignitaries and has increased the number of security police officers and their training. The government is also considering the use of technologies such as drones equipped with cameras and AI to quickly detect suspicious behavior.
On that note about security …
The Digital and Tech Ministers of the G-7 countries met for a two-day meeting on Saturday the 29th in Japan to discuss the responsible use of artificial intelligence and to establish international standards for it. The joint statement also emphasized the opposition to the misuse of AI and the abuse of democratic values, and cited five principles for policymakers to govern the use of AI and other emerging technologies. Such as the rule of law, due process, democracy, respect for human rights and harnessing opportunities for innovation. The G-7 is committed to constructing secure network infrastructure to support developing countries and to improve the connectivity of undersea cables..
The number of cyberattacks against companies and government offices in Japan has risen since March. A source from the National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity said that they have warned relevant organizations to stay alert, and that there is a possibility that the attacks are connected to the G-7 summit. The attacks are believed to be part of preparations for a full-scale attack, and the pro-Russian hacker group might have carried out the attacks. Some central government offices and private companies’ websites were disrupted, including West Japan Railway and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings. The authorities urge government offices and private firms to step up cybersecurity, recommend setting up a content delivery network, and a system that identifies suspicious access from abroad.
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A major part of the wreckage of a Japanese Self-Defense Forces helicopter that went missing in early April was hauled from the seabed on Tuesday the 2nd by a salvage company. The helicopter disappeared with ten aboard on the 6th of April in waters off the southern prefecture of Okinawa. The operation brought the wreckage up from around a hundred meters below the surface of north of Irabu Island. To know the cause of the incident, the Ground Self-Defense Force is examining the helicopter's flight recorder as well as the section recovered. So far six bodies have been recovered from the site of the aircraft.
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