FujiiPonta
fujiiponta.bsky.social
FujiiPonta
@fujiiponta.bsky.social
I collect world news here.
I am specialized in International Relations and especially interested in politics in the Asia-Pacific region.
PiyoShogi 3-dan+.

My X (Twitter) account is @FujiiPonta.
The attempted coup was the latest threat to democratic rule in the region, where militaries have in recent years seized power in Benin's neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as in Mali, Guinea and, only last month, Guinea-Bissau.
A few hours later, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said the West African country's armed forces had thwarted the attempted coup.
A government spokesperson said that 14 people had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt as of Sunday afternoon, without providing details.
At least eight soldiers, several holding weapons, went on state television on Sunday morning to announce that a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken over and was dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution and closing air, land and maritime borders.
December 7, 2025 at 3:16 PM
A few hours later, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said the West African country's armed forces had thwarted the attempted coup.
A government spokesperson said that 14 people had been arrested in connection with the coup attempt as of Sunday afternoon, without providing details.
At least eight soldiers, several holding weapons, went on state television on Sunday morning to announce that a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken over and was dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution and closing air, land and maritime borders.
Benin's government said on Sunday (7 December) that its armed forces had foiled a coup attempt after a group of soldiers in the West African nation claimed on national television to have seized power.
www.reuters.com/world/africa...
December 7, 2025 at 3:16 PM
At least eight soldiers, several holding weapons, went on state television on Sunday morning to announce that a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken over and was dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution and closing air, land and maritime borders.
December 7, 2025 at 3:15 PM
While they may seem an unlikely duo, Trudeau and Perry – who have both been in the spotlight for the better part of the last decade – have more in common than some might think. And their budding romance is not entirely unprecedented in Canadian political history.
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry have made it official. The couple were spotted holding hands in Paris last weekend as they left the Crazy Horse cabaret, where they had been celebrating Perry's 41st birthday.
It is a pairing that few could have predicted: a former Canadian prime minister and an American pop star who has toured the world and reached the edge of space.
December 7, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry have made it official. The couple were spotted holding hands in Paris last weekend as they left the Crazy Horse cabaret, where they had been celebrating Perry's 41st birthday.
It is a pairing that few could have predicted: a former Canadian prime minister and an American pop star who has toured the world and reached the edge of space.
She's a pop star, he's a former PM - why Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau just might work (1 November)
www.bbc.com/news/article...
December 7, 2025 at 3:03 PM
It is a pairing that few could have predicted: a former Canadian prime minister and an American pop star who has toured the world and reached the edge of space.
December 7, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Neither Perry nor Trudeau have publicly commented on their relationship. But speculation has been growing for months with multiple pictures of the two together.
Trudeau was seen attending Perry's concert earlier this year, fuelling rumours of a romance with the pop star.
In one picture, Perry and Trudeau are seen smiling for a selfie, with their faces touching. In another video, the pair are seen trying sushi.
Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau have gone Instagram official after the singer posted a string of photographs and videos of their trip to Japan.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
December 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
In one picture, Perry and Trudeau are seen smiling for a selfie, with their faces touching. In another video, the pair are seen trying sushi.
Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau have gone Instagram official after the singer posted a string of photographs and videos of their trip to Japan.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Katy Perry posts photo with Justin Trudeau in Japan
The pop star posted a string of photographs of herself and the former Canadian Prime Minster.
www.bbc.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The IAEA said repairs were "essential" to "prevent further degradation" of the nuclear shelter. However environmental expert Jim Smith told the BBC: "It is not something to panic about."
In February, Ukraine accused Russia of targeting the power plant - a claim the Kremlin denied.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built over the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its "primary safety functions including the confinement capability".
A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main containment function following a drone strike earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
December 7, 2025 at 2:58 PM
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors found that the massive structure, built over the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster, had lost its "primary safety functions including the confinement capability".
A protective shield covering the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine can no longer provide its main containment function following a drone strike earlier this year, according to a UN watchdog.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Chernobyl radiation shield 'lost safety function' after drone strike, UN watchdog says
The protective shield at the site of the 1986 disaster has lost its main safety function, the IAEA says.
www.bbc.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:57 PM
In a year of plentiful yields, bears tend to become more prolific in breeding, leading to an increase in their numbers, but when the yield is poor, more bears come near human dwellings in search of food, the center said.
Northeast Japan may see a rise in bears approaching humans again in 2027, as a good beech nut yield expected in 2026 suggests a poor harvest the following year, according to a research center analyzing links between bear sightings and their primary food source.
english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/6...
Japan study on beech nut suggests increased bear encounters in 2027
Northeast Japan may see a rise in bears approaching humans again in 2027, as a good beech nut yield expected in 2026 suggests a poor harvest the following year, according to a research center analyzin...
english.kyodonews.net
December 7, 2025 at 2:54 PM
But he added that a tuition hike was being considered to cover the extra costs of hiring staff who can provide English-language counseling services and medical exams at the student health center.
Waseda officials said tuition is now the same for all students regardless of nationality.
Tanaka explained that foreign students not fluent in Japanese can still obtain degrees through programs taught in English.
Waseda President Aiji Tanaka issued a statement on December 5, saying that while no decision has been made on the timing and amount of the increase, it will not apply to those currently matriculated.
December 7, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Tanaka explained that foreign students not fluent in Japanese can still obtain degrees through programs taught in English.
Waseda President Aiji Tanaka issued a statement on December 5, saying that while no decision has been made on the timing and amount of the increase, it will not apply to those currently matriculated.
Tokyo-based Waseda University, which has the most foreign students in Japan, is considering tuition hikes for new enrollees from abroad who have not mastered the Japanese language.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
December 7, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Waseda President Aiji Tanaka issued a statement on December 5, saying that while no decision has been made on the timing and amount of the increase, it will not apply to those currently matriculated.
December 7, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Tokyo-based Waseda University, which has the most foreign students in Japan, is considering tuition hikes for new enrollees from abroad who have not mastered the Japanese language.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Waseda mulling tuition hike for non-fluent foreign students | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Tokyo-based Waseda University, which has the most foreign students in Japan, is considering tuition hikes for new enrollees from abroad who have not mastered the Japanese language.
www.asahi.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The underlying concern is that without fair compensation, journalism could decline, threatening democracy.
How do generative AI search services work?
December 7, 2025 at 2:48 PM
As the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) search services expands, media organizations are increasingly asserting that they will not tolerate tech firms free riding on their content.
mainichi.jp/english/arti...
Japan expert sounds alarm over 'machine learning paradise' as AI services crawl news sites - The Mainichi
TOKYO -- As the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) search services expands, media organizations are increasingly asserting that they will
mainichi.jp
December 7, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Touching on the prospects for stalled nuclear negotiations with the United States, Araghchi also said Iran is open to diplomacy but only under conditions that guarantee a "fair and balanced" outcome. "It depends on the United States," he said.
ever committed against a safeguarded nuclear facility under the monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The nuclear talks have hit an impasse as the US under President Donald Trump wants Iran to completely halt its uranium enrichment, a demand that Tehran has rejected.
In an exclusive interview with Kyodo News, Araghchi said Iran's nuclear sites were "bombarded, destroyed and heavily damaged" during the attacks that he said was "perhaps the biggest violation of international law" …
December 7, 2025 at 2:45 PM
ever committed against a safeguarded nuclear facility under the monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The nuclear talks have hit an impasse as the US under President Donald Trump wants Iran to completely halt its uranium enrichment, a demand that Tehran has rejected.
In an exclusive interview with Kyodo News, Araghchi said Iran's nuclear sites were "bombarded, destroyed and heavily damaged" during the attacks that he said was "perhaps the biggest violation of international law" …
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday (December 6) called for Japan to share its expertise with past atomic disasters and help Iran secure facilities severely damaged by recent Israeli and US strikes.
english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/6...
December 7, 2025 at 2:45 PM
In an exclusive interview with Kyodo News, Araghchi said Iran's nuclear sites were "bombarded, destroyed and heavily damaged" during the attacks that he said was "perhaps the biggest violation of international law" …
December 7, 2025 at 2:43 PM
The meeting highlighted a historic $4.5 billion deal for Arrow 3 missile defense systems, now deployed in Germany.
Merz reaffirmed his government's support for Israel during talks with President Isaac Herzog, while expressing concern over military actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Israel in his first visit to the region as chancellor.
Merz is seeking to strengthen ties between Germany and Israel which were strained by the war in Gaza.
German Chancellor Merz reaffirms support for Israel (video)
www.dw.com/en/german-ch...
December 7, 2025 at 2:37 PM
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Israel in his first visit to the region as chancellor.
Merz is seeking to strengthen ties between Germany and Israel which were strained by the war in Gaza.
December 7, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Recent restrictions on Chinese supplies of rare earths and semiconductors have highlighted Europe's dependence in these key areas, as well as the fact that the continent has so far failed to localise supply of strategic components.
Johann Wadephul is scheduled to travel to China for his first visit on Monday (8 December), at a time when trade tensions between Brussels and Beijing are intensifying, particularly in the fields of chips, minerals, steel and electric vehicles.
Germany's foreign minister plans to tackle critical issues such as rare earths and steel during an upcoming trip to China, he said on Sunday (7 December), highlighting the challenge for Berlin in dealing with what is both its top trading partner and major rival.
www.reuters.com/world/china/...
December 7, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Johann Wadephul is scheduled to travel to China for his first visit on Monday (8 December), at a time when trade tensions between Brussels and Beijing are intensifying, particularly in the fields of chips, minerals, steel and electric vehicles.
Germany's foreign minister plans to tackle critical issues such as rare earths and steel during an upcoming trip to China, he said on Sunday (7 December), highlighting the challenge for Berlin in dealing with what is both its top trading partner and major rival.
www.reuters.com/world/china/...
German foreign minister to discuss rare earths, steel in China visit
Germany's foreign minister plans to tackle critical issues such as rare earths and steel during an upcoming trip to China, he said on Sunday, highlighting the challenge for Berlin in dealing with what...
www.reuters.com
December 7, 2025 at 2:26 PM
A German foreign minister with whom almost no one in Beijing wants to talk?
Some observers spoke of a diplomatic scandal, especially since part of Wadephul's purpose on the trip was to prepare Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural visit to China.
According to political insiders in Berlin, Wadephul had not been able to schedule talks with enough high-profile partners, so he decided the trip was not worth making.
Wadephul, a member of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), originally planned his first trip to China for October 26. But on October 24, he canceled at short notice.
December 7, 2025 at 2:24 PM