Japan records biggest jump in foreign workers in 2024

Japan saw its biggest year-on-year jump in foreign workers since records began, government data showed Friday, as the country seeks to address labor shortages exacerbated by its aging population.

In October 2024, the nation’s foreign workforce stood at 2.3 million — an increase of around…[Read more]

Turkish intel secures release of 5 Thai hostages in Gaza

The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has coordinated with Hamas to secure the release of five Thai hostages on Thursday held in the Gaza Strip, Turkish security sources reported on the same day.

The agency, which has mediated the release of some foreign hostages held in Gaza…[Read more]

Türkiye poised to become a UN humanitarian aid hub

Türkiye is preparing to become a central hub for the United Nations humanitarian aid operations.

While regional crises in Syria, Gaza and Ukraine have underscored its strategic role, Türkiye’s involvement extends beyond its immediate neighbors, playing a key part in peace efforts in Ethi…[Read more]

Türkiye aims to be center of high-tech investments in 2025

Türkiye is striving to establish itself as a global hub for high-tech investments, with significant advancements anticipated in areas ranging from biotechnology to industrial robotics.

In a recent interview with Anadolu Agency, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır de…[Read more]

Germany and Denmark say Europe must toughen up

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned of the threat posed by hybrid warfare from Moscow after an underwater Baltic Sea cable was severed. Scholz was speaking as he met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Germany and Denmark’s political leaders met on Tuesday in a show of unity amid concerns…[Read more]

Musk Says Germany Has ‘Too Much of a Focus on Past Guilt’

His comments to the hard-right Alternative for Germany party escalated efforts by the billionaire to influence the country’s election for chancellor next month.

Elon Musk told a gathering of the hard-right Alternative for Germany party this weekend that the country has “too much of a fo…[Read more]

Germany reaffirms support for Denmark in Greenland dispute with Trump

Chancellor Scholz meets with Danish Premier Frederiksen in Berlin, stresses ‘inviolability of borders’ is fundamental principle of international law

Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday reaffirmed Germany’s support for neighboring Denmark in its ongoing dispute with US P…[Read more]

Osaka bans street smoking ahead of World Expo

The city of Osaka on Monday imposed a smoking ban on public streets as part of efforts to become more visitor-friendly ahead of this year’s World Expo.

Around 160 countries and regions are participating in Expo 2025, the latest edition of an event held every five years in different global…[Read more]

Japan’s dirty secret

This is not a story of romance or consent but of coercion and power wielded with devastating consequences

The recent sexual misconduct scandal involving Masahiro Nakai, a prominent talk show host and former member of Japan’s legendary boy band SMAP, is likely just the tip of the iceberg — a glimpse into the disturbing reali…[Read more]

Top Fuji TV executives in Japan resign over sex scandal

Chairman and president step down to take responsibility for a widening sex assault scandal linked to celebrity host.

Japan’s Fuji Media says its chairman and the head of its TV unit will step down immediately amid a probe into alleged sexual misconduct by a celebrity TV host.

Chairman S…[Read more]

Germany is gripped by election fever … but Trump is pulling the strings

The machinations of Elon Musk and the incoming US president loom large in the minds of politicians and voters

A Donald Trump-shaped shadow is looming over the campaign for Germany’s snap elections next month, with unprecedented US interference on behalf of the far-right Alt…[Read more]

German ambassador warns Trump will test the US constitutional order, report says

The German ambassador to Washington wrote in a report back to Berlin that he expects Donald Trump in his second presidency to largely undermine the system of democratic checks and balances in the United States, the German news agenda dpa reported on…[Read more]

Kretinsky’s EPH among those approached to buy Germany’s Uniper, sources say

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is among potential suitors approached by Berlin about buying German state-owned utility Uniper (UN0k.DE), opens new tab, three people familiar with the matter said.
Sources have said previously that others approached include New…[Read more]

German election: Focus on immigration and the economy

Immigration and the poor state of the economy are the top issues for German voters, according to the latest survey. Six weeks before the general election, Germany looks set for a change of power in Berlin.

According to the latest “Deutschlandtrend” survey, the balance of power in Berlin is…[Read more]

German institutions depart X, a day after Musk’s Weidel talk

More than 60 German and Austrian academic organizations say they will leave the messaging platform X owned by Elon Musk. The German government has also voiced fears that the platform is warping political discourse.

Scores of universities and research institutions in Germany and Austria…[Read more]

Domestic air travel in Germany dropped by 50% compared to 2019: Study

Domestic flights in Germany are expected to stay significantly below pre-pandemic levels, as overall air traffic continues to decline, according to an analysis released Thursday by the aviation industry association BDL

Flight schedules through the first six months of 2025…[Read more]

Erdoğan vows to make up for local vote mishap

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday promised to compensate for his ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party) unprecedented losses in last year’s local elections.

“We will work wholeheartedly to make up for the road crash in the March 31 elections at the first possibility,” Erdoğan t…[Read more]

Türkiye’s AFAD provides crucial flour aid to Gaza amidst food crisis

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has reported that it has distributed flour to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which is experiencing a food crisis due to Israeli attacks.

AFAD, in collaboration with the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees…[Read more]

‘Türkiye won’t hesitate to protect itself against terrorists’

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Türkiye would not hesitate to take action against terrorists posing a threat to its national security.

Noting that Türkiye has shown its firm commitment to its survival and security time and again, Erdoğan told a news conference after a cabinet meet…[Read more]

Israel wipes out 2 Gazan families amid renewed push for cease-fire

At least 17 people from two families were among some 88 Palestinians killed by Israel in Gaza over the weekend, the territory’s health authorities confirmed Sunday.

Israel’s latest killings come amid as mediators launched a new cease-fire push to end its 15-month genocidal…[Read more]