Japan

Japan saw a massive drop in population in 2021 as the number dropped by 6,44,000. It is the biggest decline ever recorded in Japanese history. The population in Japan has been dipping for eleven years straight, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The ministry explained that the deaths outnumbered the births, and the number of citizens leaving the country was greater than those immigrating to Japan.

India and Japan launched the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) for addressing climate change and ensuring energy security. In addition, both countries have joined hands to boost areas such as electric vehicles (EV), battery storage, hydrogen, and so on. Notably, India is targeting net zero-carbon emission by the year 2070, while Japan is likely to achieve the target by 2050.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in a Quad Leader's virtual meeting on March 3, along with US President Joe Biden, Japan and Australia prime ministers. "They will exchange views and assessments about important developments in the Indo-Pacific," the MEA said.  It will also strengthen bilateral relations between the different countries. Earlier, in September 2020, Quad leaders held an in-person summit in Washington.  

Citing Omicron situation, Japan PM, Fumio Kishida on January 11, announced ban on entry of non-resident foreigners till the end of February. The entry ban has been in place since November 30, following Japan's first case of the highly contagious Omicron variant. Kishida suggested that a formal decision whether to continue entry ban in its current form would be decided once Japan's long weekend finished.

The US and Japan, with a contingency plan, are ready to defend Tiwan from the Chinese aggression. The two countries agreed over a draft plan, which was initially proposed by US Pacific command and Japan's self defense. The plan has been taken jointly, stressing Chinese attacks on Taiwan. Possibly, the US marines with the help of Japanese Army would set up base in Nansei islands, close to Taiwan for emergency.