Ethylene Plant Operating Rate Hits Record Low in Japan

Antarctic Treaty Meeting in Hiroshima Fails to Reach Accord

The 48th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting ended its 11-day session in the western Japan city of Hiroshima on Thursday, without reaching an agreement on key issues, including the protection of emperor penguins.

Japan Raises Concerns over Advanced AI, Urges Measures

Japan's Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry on Thursday reaffirmed plans to strengthen cooperation with local governments and private-sector entities such as telecommunications companies and broadcasters in taking measures regarding high-performance artificial intelligence models, such as Claude Mythos of U.S. startup Anthropic.

Japan Eyeing 3-T.-Yen Extra Budget to Tackle Middle East Fallout

Japan's government and ruling coalition plan to compile a fiscal 2026 supplementary budget worth around 3 trillion yen in preparation for a prolonged Middle East crisis, it was learned Thursday.

Group Backing PM Takaichi Launched within LDP

A study group supporting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's policies has been launched within her ruling Liberal Democratic Party, attracting most of the party's lawmakers.

Ethylene Plant Operating Rate Hits Record Low in Japan

The ethylene plant operating rate in Japan hit a record low of 67.3pctin April, the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association said Thursday.