Japanese space startup blames laser tool for second failed moon landing
Japan's ispace Inc. blamed an anomaly in a laser range finder for its second unsuccessful attempt at landing a spacecraft on the moon in early June.
Japan is preparing for a new round of trade discussions with the U.S. as both sides try to resolve differences before higher tariffs on Japanese automobile exports take effect in July.
Japan’s chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, may visit Washington as early as next week for a third round of bilateral trade talks with the United States, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The timing of the visit remains flexible, depending on progress made during ongoing staff-level negotiations.
Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is also scheduled to travel to Canada next week for a G7 finance ministers’ meeting. While there, he may hold discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, including topics such as currency markets.
Japanese officials are reportedly exploring a package of proposals aimed at gaining concessions from the U.S. These could include increased imports of American corn and soybeans, expanded technical cooperation in shipbuilding, and potential revisions to vehicle inspection standards for imported cars.
A key issue for Japan remains securing exemptions from planned U.S. tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, a significant component of the country’s export sector. The U.S. government imposed a general 10% tariff on April 2, with Japan facing a specific 24% rate from July unless an agreement is reached.
“We will seek reviews of the range of U.S. tariff measures, such as those on automobiles, auto parts, steel, aluminium as well as the reciprocal tariffs,” Akazawa stated during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Japanese policymakers have said they are reluctant to conclude any trade agreement unless tariffs on automobiles are lifted. Industry concerns have already emerged, with Mazda reporting a 45.1% decline in net profit for the fiscal year ending in March and refraining from issuing forecasts for the upcoming year.
During a previous visit to Washington on May 1, Akazawa raised the auto tariff issue with Bessent, though no agreement was reached at that time.
Initial expectations of concluding a deal around the June G7 summit have waned. Domestic media reports suggest Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is now aiming for an agreement by early July, ahead of Japan’s upper house elections later in the month.
Political sensitivities, especially regarding agriculture, remain a factor. Senior ruling party member Hiroshi Moriyama, a close aide to the prime minister, has stated opposition to expanding imports of U.S. rice.
Some analysts suggest that the U.S. may not prioritise a swift agreement with Japan, as the broader economic impact of tariffs on Japan is seen as less significant compared to other trade partners.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Tesla’s new car sales in Europe plunged 27.9% in May, even as the region saw a major rise in demand for electric vehicles, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) showed.
Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry, national oil and gas company KazMunayGas (KMG), and CNOOC Hong Kong Holding Limited—a subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC Limited)—have signed a contract for hydrocarbon exploration and production under the Zhylyoi project.
European markets rallied on Tuesday, with shares climbing more than 1% after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, easing geopolitical tensions and lifting investor confidence.
Oil prices fell sharply for a second day after Israel confirmed a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran, easing fears that the conflict would disrupt global energy supplies.
U.S. President Donald Trump called for a major interest rate cut before Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony to Congress.
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