1. Japan’s top government spokesperson has made clear that the designation of several Japanese cities as Africa “hometowns” is not aimed at promoting immigration from African countries. The Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, designated four cities as Africa “hometowns” last week, while an African development conference was underway in Yokohama, near Tokyo.
2. United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says a trade deal with Japan that includes a 550-billion-dollar investment in the US will be announced later this week. Lutnick said on Fox News on Monday that they need to make semiconductors and antibiotics in America and that they also need rare earths. He said President Donald Trump will have 550 billion dollars at hand and will be able to invest in those areas.
3. A city in central Japan has drafted an ordinance seeking to limit people’s use of smartphones and other devices to two hours a day outside their work and studies. The Toyoake City government in Aichi Prefecture submitted the proposal to a municipal assembly session on Monday. City officials say it is the first stature in Japan to suggest a screen time cap for all residents in the city.