Tag: diversity

America Sanctions ICC President and Trial Lawyer

America Sanctions ICC President and Trial Lawyer

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Following the start of the campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) threat to national sovereignty, the United States Department of State announced it has sanctioned two ICC officials namely their president Tomoko Akane of Japan and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal. Already the Prime Minister of Japan described the sanctions on the ICC president as “very unfortunate.”

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire statement of the US State Department by Secretary Marco Rubio. Some parts in boldface…

The Trump Administration has been clear: the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate.  We will not tolerate its assault on state sovereignty. 

In furtherance of the diplomatic campaign we launched last month to address the ICC’s abuses of power, I am designating two ICC officials – President of the ICC, Tomoko Akane of Japan, and ICC Senior Trial Lawyer, Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal – pursuant to Executive Order 14203, “Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court.”  These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction. 

The ICC has repeatedly attempted to assert authority over nationals of the United States and other countries that have not consented to its jurisdiction or ratified the Rome Statute.  This sets a dangerous precedent for all nations.  

Our whole of government campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the ICC to national sovereignty will be sweeping and we expect more countries to join our campaign by ending their funding and participation in this politicized and unaccountable court. The ICC’s ability to target American nationals and those of other non-States Parties must end. The Trump Administration stands ready to take additional measures, if necessary, to systematically dismantle the ICC until it is incapable of threatening American sovereignty.

Japan’s reaction – Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae described the sanctions against ICC president Akane as “very unfortunate.” She told reporters that her government will deal with the situation by “continuing communication with relevant nations including the United States.” Japan is known to have supported the ICC for many years already.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support the US sanctions against the two ICC officials? Do you think other nations that are in conflict with the ICC’s encroachment and abuse of power will support rally behind the United States and support sanctioning of officials? If you live in a nation which has a working justice system, are convinced that the ICC is unnecessary?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Vietnamese National Arrested In Parañaque City Over Financial Crime

Vietnamese National Arrested In Parañaque City Over Financial Crime

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Recently in the City of Parañaque, a woman from Vietnam was arrested for estafa over a money deal in which she failed to release P70,000 to a Chinese national who transferred foreign currency to her, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Daily Tribune report. Some parts in boldface…

A 32-year-old Vietnamese national was arrested in Parañaque City after allegedly receiving 7,607.98 Chinese yuan through Alipay but failing to turn over the agreed P70,000 equivalent in Philippine currency to a Chinese national.

The incident occurred on 7 August at around 3:20 p.m. at Bayview Garden Homes 2 along Roxas Boulevard in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City. The complainant was identified as a 28-year-old Chinese national.

Initial investigation showed that the two met through a Telegram group where the suspect allegedly offered money exchange services.

The complainant transferred 7,607.98 Chinese yuan to an Alipay account designated by the suspect in exchange for P70,000.

However, the suspect allegedly failed to deliver the agreed cash and repeatedly made excuses when the complainant demanded payment, prompting him to seek police assistance and file charges.

The Vietnamese national was arrested for alleged violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, or estafa.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more financial crimes happening within the city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Japan Eyes Measure Against Russia Over Putin’s Visit to Etorofu Island

Japan Eyes Measure Against Russia Over Putin’s Visit to Etorofu Island

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Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Etorofu Island, Japan is considering a measure against Russia in response, according to a news report by Kyodo News. The Japanese have protested against the visit and tension with Russia is heating up.

Etorofu Island is located off Hokkaido and Japan has claimed it even though Russia has control of it. Historically, Russia – then the Soviet Union – seized Etorofu after Japan surrendered way back in World War II. The Russians call the island Iturup.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Japan is considering taking some measure against Russia, following President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Etorofu Island, a senior Foreign Ministry official said Friday.

Putin made his first trip to the Russian-controlled, Japanese-claimed island chain off Hokkaido as president or prime minister Thursday, drawing a backlash from Tokyo, which called it “totally unacceptable.”

“We are considering what step to take going forward,” the official told reporters. An additional sanction is believed to be under consideration.

The islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and by Russia as the Southern Kurils, have long been at the center of a territorial row between the countries. The visit came as ties between Japan and Russia remain strained amid Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Japan maintains that the island chain, consisting of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islet group, was illegally seized by the Soviet Union soon after Japan’s surrender in World War II. Russia argues the seizure was legitimate.

On Thursday, the Japanese government summoned Nikolay Nozdrev, Russia’s ambassador in Tokyo, and lodged a strong protest over Putin’s visit, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japanese territory “both historically and under international law.”

According to the Russian government, Putin visited a fish-processing plant, a hospital and a school and met with local residents.

The territorial dispute has meant the two countries have never signed a peace treaty after World War II.

Under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s political mentor, Japan pursued closer ties with Russia in the hope of resolving the Northern Territories dispute. Abe met Putin 27 times during his tenure ending in 2020.

In 2018, the two agreed to accelerate peace treaty talks based on a 1956 joint declaration between Japan and the Soviet Union that called for the handover of two smaller islands — Shikotan and the Habomai islet group — after a peace treaty was signed.

The talks were suspended after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Prospects for resuming negotiations remain dim as ties have deteriorated following Japan’s participation in U.S.-led sanctions against Moscow.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the diplomatic relationship between Russia and Japan will remain strained for the foreseeable future? Do you consider Russia’s seizure of Etorofu Island illegal?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Law to Punish Japanese Flag Desecration Takes Effect

Law to Punish Japanese Flag Desecration Takes Effect

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If you are caught desecrating the national flag there in Japan, you will eventually get arrested and get punished by means of imprisonment and penalty fees as a new law took effect, according to a news article by Jiji Press. About a month ago, the law to punish the desecration of Japan’s flag was enacted by the nation’s Parliament and was a legislative victory for the administration of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, their partner Japan Innovation Party and even some opposition members.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

A law to criminalize acts of damaging Japan’s national flag came into effect Thursday, amid unresolved concerns about its impact on expressive activities following criticisms that the scope of punishable acts is unclear.

Under the Japanese law, those who publicly damage, remove or deface the national flag in a way that causes people to feel extremely uncomfortable or disgusted could face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen. Livestreams of such acts are subject to punishment, while archive broadcasts are not.

The law seeks to protect tangible objects used as a national flag. Creative works, such as anime and images produced with generative artificial intelligence, as well as flag-shaped decorations on children’s meals and flag-inspired patterns on clothes are excluded from the scope of the law.

The legislation stipulates that whether an act is punishable is determined through a comprehensive assessment of the objective circumstances, including the external form of the act and the surrounding situation, while giving consideration to the freedom of expression and belief.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you aware that previously Japan had laws protecting international flags but none for the Japanese flag? What comes to your mind when you see Islamists and Leftists who damage or even burn the Japanese flag publicly? If you are residing in Japan right now, would you be willing to report the acts of flag desecration to the local authorities immediately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

President Marcos Orders Revival of Las Piñas Spillway

President Marcos Orders Revival of Las Piñas Spillway

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During his on-site inspection in Las Piñas City with the presence of Mayor April Aguilar, Congressman Mark Santos and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., ordered the revival of the Las Piñas Spillway which still remains incomplete for over a decade now, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to revive and complete a long-delayed spillway in Las Piñas City, saying the project could significantly improve Metro Manila’s ability to drain floodwaters.

President Marcos issued the directive during an inspection of a high-vacuum self-priming drainage trailer pump at Alido Bridge in Barangay Zapote, as he assessed the effects of heavy rains that recently caused flooding in parts of the capital.

He said the Las Piñas spillway had been in the works for more than a decade but was never completed, and should now be revisited as part of the government’s broader flood-control strategy.

“Speaking of spillway, we really need to finish the spillway here in Las Piñas so there will be an outlet for the water, and that plan has been stalled for a long time,” the President told reporters.

Mr. Marcos said he had instructed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to review the existing plans, determine whether modifications were needed and move ahead with the project.

“Whatever needs to be done, we have to finish it,” the Chief Executive emphasized.

President Marcos described the spillway as a potentially significant component of flood-control efforts in the National Capital Region. He also credited renewed dredging activities with helping reduce the severity of recent flooding in Las Piñas.

Mr. Marcos said flooding that previously reached chest level was now below the knees in the area he inspected, while water was also receding faster because drainage channels had been cleared.

The President said the government had resumed dredging after a 12-year moratorium, which he said had contributed to rivers and spillways becoming increasingly shallow.

He said dredging would continue without interruption and would be carried out in coordination with local government units.

President Marcos also blamed garbage buildup in drainage channels for worsening flooding, particularly in Parañaque, saying some of the debris had been carried in from other areas and became trapped when high tide coincided with the opening of drainage channels.

He urged local governments and residents to improve waste disposal practices, warning that improperly discarded garbage could obstruct waterways and compound flooding.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the spillway in the city will somehow get completed during the remaining term of President Marcos? Are you hopeful the DPWH will get the job done?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Data on Foreigners Facing Deportation in Japan Shared By Immigration Agency With Local Governments

Data on Foreigners Facing Deportation in Japan Shared By Immigration Agency With Local Governments

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To ensure better coordination and more efficient action on immigration matters, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has formally started the process of sharing personal data on foreign nationals facing deportation with the local governments, according to a news article by Jiji Press. The agency plans to provide monthly updates on such foreigners’ relocations or returns to their home countries.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has started sharing personal information on foreign nationals subject to deportation proceedings with local governments, as part of a review of policies concerning foreigners pursued by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Previously, such information was shared only when there was consent from affected individuals, sometimes leaving local governments unable to grasp the whereabouts of foreigners subject to deportation proceedings.

The latest move is aimed at promoting appropriate responses through cooperation between the central and local governments.

In July, the agency informed local governments of the number, names, addresses, nationalities and dates of birth of foreign nationals who were subject to deportation proceedings and living outside immigration facilities as of the end of June.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the immigration services agency of Japan is doing the right thing by sharing with local governments personal information of foreigners who are facing deportation? Do you think this new strategy will improve the search for and deportation of foreigners who are staying in Japan illegally? What do you think local governments can do when it comes to illegal aliens/immigrants living within their jurisdiction? Do you think other nations should follow Japan’s examples?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Wanted Person Arrested In Las Piñas City For Rape And Child Abuse

Wanted Person Arrested In Las Piñas City For Rape And Child Abuse

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A person who has been wanted for rape, child abuse and other criminal charges across different jurisdictions was arrested by local police officers (in coordination with their provincial counterparts) in Las Piñas City, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of The Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested a most wanted person during a high-impact joint law enforcement operation in Las Piñas City on Saturday morning.

The fugitive, who has active warrants for heinous crimes, was captured at approximately 7:10 a.m. inside his residence along Saging Street, Phase 1, Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City.

The accused was apprehended by combined operatives of the Las Piñas City Police Station and the Hindang Municipal Police Station of the Leyte Police Provincial Office.

He faces multiple severe charges across different jurisdictions, leaving him with no legal recourse for immediate freedom on his primary charge.

The first is a warrant for rape issued by a regional trial court in Leyte on 12 July 2021, with no bail recommended. The second is a separate warrant for violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, issued by a Las Piñas City court on 26 February 2015, with bail set at P80,000.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you thankful to the police officers for the successful apprehension of the suspect? Does this development make you feel safer in the city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Safety Measures In Public Schools In Las Piñas City Tightened

Safety Measures In Public Schools In Las Piñas City Tightened

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Following the tragic death of a student, safety measures in public schools located in Las Piñas City were tightened affecting the students as well as their parents and guardians, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

Public schools in Las Piñas have strengthened campus safety measures, urging parents and guardians — especially those with children in elementary schools — to provide transparent plastic water bottles or tumblers for their children following the fatal stabbing at Las Piñas National High School.

The Schools Division Office (SDO) of Las Piñas said the enhanced measures aim to safeguard the well-being of all learners across the city’s public schools.

Officials reminded students not to bring sharp objects to school to prevent accidents and encouraged them to immediately report bullying, harassment, or unusual behavior to teachers, guidance counselors, or administrators for prompt intervention.

The reminders were reinforced during an emergency meeting convened by Schools Division Superintendent Melody P. Cruz on Saturday, Aug. 1, with public school principals.

Department of Education National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) Regional Director and concurrent Officer in Charge Assistant Secretary for Operations Jocelyn DR Andaya also attended.

The meeting, called in the wake of the fatal stabbing, focused on strengthening safety protocols, preventive measures, and closer coordination among schools, parents, local government units, and the community.

Andaya stressed the need for collective action to protect learners, saying, “One life taken is a life too many.”

She urged school officials, parents, and stakeholders to work together in maintaining safe, secure, and child friendly learning environments.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think the tightening of security in public schools will make a long-lasting impact?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Vietnam Attracts 416,000 Visitors From The Philippines During First 7 Months Of 2026

Vietnam Attracts 416,000 Visitors From The Philippines During First 7 Months Of 2026

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Among the fourteen million foreign tourists Vietnam attracted during the first seven months of 2026 are visitors from the Philippines totaling 416,000, according to report by VnExpress. The authorities have described the Philippines as having the biggest increase among Southeast Asian markets.

The 416,000 of Philippine visitors is significant as there were over 480,000 Filipinos who visited Vietnam in the entire year of 2025. It is recalled that Filipino interest in visiting Vietnam has been strong and the governments of the two nations agreed to cooperate on tourism and air connectivity. As a tourist destination, the Philippines has been very weak attracting only 5.94 foreign tourists in 2025. Vietnam attracted over 21 million foreign tourists that same year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

The number of visitors from the Philippines to Vietnam jumped 63.6% year-on-year between January and July to 416,000, the biggest increase among Southeast Asian markets.

In the region, there were huge increases also in the number of arrivals from Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They increased by 40.8%, 31%, 27.3%, and 21.6%, according to the General Statistics Office.

The tourism industry attributed the jump in the number of visitors from Southeast Asia to a rapidly expanding flight network and growing demand for intra-regional travel.

Indonesia AirAsia launched a direct flight connecting Bali (Denpasar) and Da Nang on March 20 while Vietjet launched a direct route connecting Da Nang and Jakarta on April 29.

In March, Philippines AirAsia launched a new direct route linking Da Nang with Manila in the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering the strong Filipino interest on visiting Vietnam, would you be surprised to see Vietnam attract 1,000,000 visitors from the Philippines by the end of this year? What do you think makes Vietnam a special travel destination for Filipinos?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japanese Farm And Food Exports Grow 10.9% During First Half Of 2026

Japanese Farm And Food Exports Grow 10.9% During First Half Of 2026

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During the first half of 2026, Japan’s exports of food and farm products grew by a huge 10.9% which is a huge economic achievement for the nation and its government, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products and food products in the first half of 2026 rose 10.9 percent from a year earlier to 897.7 billion yen ($5.7 billion), a record high for the period, the government said Tuesday.

Shipments to all of Japan’s top 10 destinations, including the United States and Hong Kong, exceeded year-before levels, pushing the overall total to a new January-June peak for the second straight year.

By product, green tea posted a notable gain, supported by a global matcha boom, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries saying that growing inbound tourism has raised overseas awareness of Japanese food.

Rising health consciousness also contributed, while new sales channels expanded at supermarkets and restaurants abroad that had not previously handled Japanese food. But the pace of export growth slowed from 15.5 percent in the first half of 2025.

Among the top 10 destinations by export value, eight countries and regions, apart from second-ranked Hong Kong and third-ranked China, marked first-half records. Exports to Hong Kong increased 3.0 percent, while those to China grew 4.3 percent.

Exports to South Korea rose 20.5 percent, with yellowtail and beer showing solid gains, while those to Vietnam jumped 35.4 percent on strong demand for scallops and mackerel. The United States ranked first, up 15.3 percent to 162.6 billion yen.

Green tea, beef, apples, and sauces and mixed seasonings registered record highs for the January-June period. Green tea surged 83.5 percent to 48.2 billion yen, while yellowtail surged 69.0 percent to 43.4 billion yen.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering the massive number of foreign tourists in Japan, are you convinced that the greater awareness of Japanese food somehow contributed to the huge demand (for Japanese products) in countries around the world? How much food and beverages imported from Japan are being offered in your local groceries or convenience stores right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco