JAPAN AUSTRALIA

Apr 19 2026HEALTH

First-time moms under 25 face higher stress in Japan, study finds

Japan has long worried about very young mothers and their risks for child abuse. But what about women in their early 20s who become first-time moms? A new study flips the focus by comparing two groups: those under 26 and those 26 or older. Most past research zeroed in on teens, leaving a gap for wom

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Apr 16 2026FINANCE

Global Money Talks: Japan and US Boost Currency Coordination

Japan and the United States have decided to increase their discussions about currency values following a meeting between their top finance officials. This move comes as both countries watch the Japanese yen hover near a key level that triggered past currency interventions. Japan’s finance minister p

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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Japan’s Big Move to Keep Oil Flowing

Japan has announced a new plan worth 10 billion dollars aimed at ensuring a steady supply of oil from Asia. The government will invest in projects that help secure shipping routes and storage facilities near key suppliers. By doing so, it hopes to reduce the risk of shortages caused by political ten

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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Naphtha Shortages Hit Japan’s Factory Floor

Japanese firms that rely on naphtha, a key oil by‑product used in adhesives and paints, are cutting orders or lowering production after delivery delays and price hikes. The trouble began last week when more than a dozen companies, including Toto and Asahi Kasei, warned that their supplies were unrel

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Japan Opens Arms Trade to Allies, Drawing Global Attention

Japan is set to relax its strict arms export rules, a move that has caught the eye of countries from Poland to the Philippines. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s uncertain stance on defense commitments and the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, which have strained U. S. weapon suppli

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Apr 12 2026BUSINESS

Australia and U. S. Pump $3. 5 B into Key Mineral Projects

Australia and the United States have announced a fresh $3. 5 billion investment in critical mineral development, nearly doubling the commitment made earlier this year when they signed a cooperation framework. The new funding aims to help Australian companies mine and refine metals essential for defe

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Apr 12 2026POLITICS

Australia’s Leader Heads to Brunei and Malaysia for Fuel Talks

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to travel from April 14 to 17, stopping first in Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan and then in Kuala Lumpur. He will sit down with Bruneian ruler Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss how the two countries can help

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Apr 11 2026FINANCE

Japan takes a close look at private credit risks but sees no big problem yet

Japan’s finance chief recently shared her view on private credit, a fast-growing but shadowy part of finance worth about $2 trillion worldwide. She pointed out that Japan’s own exposure isn’t large and doesn’t pose a big threat right now. Still, she’s keeping an eye on how things move, especially as

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Apr 02 2026POLITICS

Gambling Ads Face New Limits in Australia

Australia has introduced fresh rules to curb gambling advertising. The government will stop ads that use celebrities and will only show online ads to people who are logged in and over 18 years old. These changes aim to protect children from seeing gambling messages. On television, the new law caps

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Mar 31 2026CELEBRITIES

Kylie Minogue set to light up AFL Grand Final 2026

Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue will perform at the 2026 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne on September 26, marking her first headline role at the event since 2021. The Melbourne Cricket Ground, iconic for Australian sport, will host the show. This move brings the grand final celebration closer to home

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