Two opposition parties in Japan have agreed to form a new party in the Lower House ahead of a possible snap election next month. The move comes after Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae conveyed her plans to dissolve the Lower House during the upcoming Diet session, which starts next week. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is the country’s largest opposition group. President Noda Yoshihiko met with Saito Tstsuo, Chief Presentative of Komeito, which had partnered with the Liberal Democratic Party in its ruling coalition until last October.
US President Donald Trump says he has been informed that authorities in Iran have stopped killing anti-government protesters and that they do not plan to conduct executions. But he notes that he will watch and see what happens.
A wildfire that started last week in Uenohara City in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, is spreading in neighboring Otsuki City. There is currently no prospect for extinguishing the fire as there is no forecast for consistent rainfall in the area.