Japan’s baby boom among foreign-born population spotlights demographic timebomb

Beijing has issued a warning to its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who stated that Japan would defend itself if China attempted to seize Taiwan. This statement has provoked a furious response from Beijing, escalating tensions between the two nations amidst ongoing disputes over Taiwan.

A severe flu strain that emerged over the summer is causing outbreaks in Canada, the U.K., and Japan, raising concerns about potential impacts in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not provided any updates on the situation in the U.S. for several weeks, leading to heightened warnings as the flu season approaches. The lack of information from the CDC is particularly alarming given the increasing number of cases reported in other countries, suggesting that the U.S. may be at risk of similar outbreaks. This situation underscores the importance of monitoring flu strains and public health responses as the flu season progresses.

The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams has prompted Asian nations to seek foreign-born players to enhance their chances of qualification. In a recent match, over half of the UAE's starting lineup against Iraq consisted of foreign-born talent, highlighting a growing trend among teams in the region. This shift is significant as it opens up opportunities for more countries to compete on the world stage, moving beyond the historical dominance of a few teams.

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, faces a significant decision regarding her attendance at a sumo trophy presentation, which is traditionally restricted to men. With a 15-day sumo tournament currently underway in Fukuoka, her potential defiance of this longstanding ban has generated considerable anticipation among fans and could challenge cultural norms in Japan.