The Japan Times is reporting that the sanctioned Japanese chief of the International Criminal Court is urging Japan to counter the U.S. campaign against her. It said the chief stated there was "absolutely no reason" for her sanctioning. Separately, the newspaper noted criticism mounted against Tokyo's initial response to the U.S. sanctioning of ICC President Tomoko Akane, which was described as "very unfortunate."
The Japan Times also reported that defense chiefs from Japan, Indonesia and Australia held their first-ever trilateral talks, agreeing to promote defense cooperation. This development comes weeks after Jakarta reached a deal with Beijing to boost military ties following joint naval drills east of Taiwan.
Regarding domestic issues, the newspaper said Japan's hotter summers are triggering heavier rainfall, citing torrential rain in Chiba Prefecture earlier this month as an example of extreme precipitation events caused by warming. Additionally, evacuees from the Fukushima nuclear meltdown have reached a settlement with Tepco. This decision follows the Supreme Court's June 2022 ruling that the government was not liable for the nuclear accident.
In business news, The Japan Times is reporting that Honda is eyeing the U.S. to build its newest factory as the carmaker seeks to expand its lineup of gas-electric hybrid models from 2030.
Internationally, the newspaper reported deadly flash floods and mudslides caused casualties in Nepal and China, damaging roads, bridges and power projects. Rescue helicopters are not expected to land until waters recede. It also noted Russia is escalating hybrid attacks across Europe, including cyberattacks, armed drones and mysterious arson cases, as the war in Ukraine approaches its fifth winter.