Japan

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Government of Japan has commissioned and handed over agricultural machinery to farmers in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State as part of efforts to boost food production and rural livelihoods.

This was announced by the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria via its official and verified Facebook handle on Wednesday.

The event took place on February 5, 2026, in Adani, where Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo attended the ceremony marking the delivery of equipment under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The initiative, titled “The Project for the Provision of Power Tillers and a Combined Harvester in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Enugu State,” supplied power tillers alongside a combined harvester to support farming activities in the benefiting communities.

Officials explained that the intervention aims to improve agricultural productivity through mechanised operations. They noted that enhanced efficiency on farms would enable local farmers to raise output, expand earnings and maintain more stable sources of livelihood.

The machinery was procured by “Yanmar Agri Corporation”, a Japanese company recognised globally for producing durable agricultural equipment. The firm also organised technical training for beneficiaries, focusing on proper handling, operation and maintenance of the machines.

Representatives at the ceremony said the Japanese Government expects the project to strengthen food security in the area. They added that the support forms part of broader contributions toward Nigeria’s agricultural development and long-term economic growth.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has announced plans to dissolve the country’s parliament on Friday and hold a snap general election, a move aimed at securing public backing for her spending agenda and wider policy programme.

The announcement, made on Monday, comes barely three months after Takaichi assumed office as Japan’s first female prime minister. The planned election will determine all 465 seats in the lower house of parliament and will represent her first nationwide electoral test since taking office.

“Today, I, as the Prime Minister, have decided to dissolve the lower house on January 23,” Takaichi said at a news conference.

Political observers say an early vote could help the prime minister take advantage of her current popularity. It could also strengthen her position within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and stabilise her coalition, which holds a narrow majority in parliament.

The coming election is expected to focus heavily on economic concerns, especially rising living costs. Many voters have expressed anxiety about inflation and household expenses. A recent opinion poll released by public broadcaster NHK indicated that 45 per cent of respondents identified prices as their biggest concern.

Diplomacy and national security followed, with 16 per cent.If confirmed, the snap election will set the stage for a major political contest that will shape Japan’s economic direction and test public confidence in Takaichi’s leadership at an early stage of her tenure.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Japan’s Agriculture Minister, Taku Eto, has resigned after facing intense backlash for saying he has never bought rice because he receives it for free.

The remark, made during a parliamentary session, was widely condemned as tone-deaf, particularly given Japan’s current rice shortages and rising prices, which are attributed to poor harvests and global supply issues. 

Critics accused Eto of being out of touch with ordinary citizens and disrespecting struggling farmers.

“I deeply regret my careless words,” Eto said in a brief statement. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba accepted the resignation and vowed to appoint a replacement soon.

The incident has reignited debate over privilege and accountability among Japan’s political elite.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Islam is experiencing a remarkable rise in Japan, making it the fastest-growing religion in the country. Reports indicate that the number of Japanese Muslims has increased significantly in recent years, driven by conversions and the growing presence of Muslim expatriates.

Experts attribute this growth to increased cultural exchanges, greater awareness of Islam, and the influence of international students, workers, and businesspeople. The number of mosques in Japan has also grown, reflecting the expanding Muslim community.

“I was drawn to Islam after learning about its teachings of peace and discipline,” said Kenji Tanaka, a Japanese convert. His story mirrors that of many others who have embraced the faith.

Despite Japan’s small Muslim population compared to other nations, the steady rise in conversions and interest in Islamic teachings highlights a shift in religious dynamics within the country.

Religious scholars believe that as Japan becomes more globally connected, interest in diverse faiths, including Islam, will continue to grow.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Central Japan was struck by a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Monday, prompting urgent evacuations and tsunami warnings.

The Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture experienced a series of quakes, including a 7.6-magnitude tremor.

National broadcaster NHK and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued alerts, urging residents to move to higher ground. 

Confirmed tsunamis of 1.2 metres hit Wajima city, with a potential five-metre wave expected in Noto, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The US Geological Survey recorded multiple quakes, emphasising the severity of the seismic activity. 

Japan, with its strict construction standards, faces haunting memories of the 2011 disaster and ongoing seismic threats.

Despite emergency preparedness, the nation remains on edge, with the historical seismic vulnerability of Tokyo echoing a century-old earthquake in 1923.

By Muhammad Sabiu

The former prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, has passed on after sustaining injuries after he was shot in the neck.

NHK and Jiji news agency reported confirmed that Abe died in hospital

NKH stated, “According to a senior LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) official, former prime minister Abe died at a hospital in Kashihara city, Nara region, where he was receiving medical treatment. He was 67.”

This is coming a few years after Abe stepped down as the Asian democracy’s prime minister due to his ailing condition.

Media reports have quoted the President of France, Emmanuel Macron to have been “profoundly shocked by the despicable attack” on Mr. Abe.