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US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signaled a possible extension of the July 8 deadline for securing trade agreements with key US trading partners, though he said it may not be necessary. Trade negotiations are currently underway with around 15 countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the EU, according to Xinhua.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers the extension is “highly likely” to allow more time for deals. According to Bessent, 18 major trading partners are engaged in talks, and the US plans to send proposals to several others within weeks.

The July 8 deadline stems from a 90-day pause on proposed reciprocal tariffs affecting over 60 countries, initiated on April 9. So far, only a trade agreement with the UK has been finalized, Xinhua reported.

At a recent World Trade Organization General Council meeting in Geneva, the European Union and numerous member countries protested US tariffs, claiming they disrupt the global trading system and cause economic instability. The EU criticized the use of tariffs to address domestic economic difficulties and called for increased multilateral cooperation.

Representatives from Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and more than 100 WTO members also expressed concern, urging for reforms to support the rules-based trading system and fight protectionism, as reported by Xinhua.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged the United States to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve trade disputes and support global trade stability.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has left for Japan to participate in the international conference on social isolation in senior citizens, which is starting tomorrow in Tokyo. She left for Japan last night.

The conference theme is -“Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older People.”

Minister Rana is scheduled to address the conference on behalf of Nepal.

The conference organised by the Foundation for the Welfare and Education of the Asian People will have the participation of ministers, senior government officials, and social activists from more than 12 countries.

Minister Rana, who has been working for a long time in the field of economic uplift and social protection of Nepali women through Rural Women and Development Centre and organizations like the Safe Motherhood Network, has been invited as the special guest of the programme.

While in Japan, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to hold important bilateral meetings. She is set to return home next Saturday.

The leaders of Japan and the Philippines have pledged to deepen their security ties, including increased intelligence sharing, as they grapple with territorial disputes with China, Aljazeera reported.

On his first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in October, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Tuesday that the two countries oppose “attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and the South China Sea by force or coercion”.

Speaking after talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Manila, Ishiba said the two leaders agreed to begin negotiations on a defence pact formally known as the Acquisition and Cross-servicing Agreement.

The deal would allow the provision of food, fuel and other necessities when Japanese forces visit the Philippines for joint training under a major defence accord that was signed last year and is expected to be ratified by the Japanese legislature. The Philippine Senate ratified it in December, according to Aljazeera.

The US Navy has deployed a sophisticated anti-ship missile system to Batan Island in the northern Philippines for the first time, in a blatant display of force near Taiwan. The move comes amid rising tensions with China, which has held large-scale military operations outside Taiwan to warn against the island's push for legal independence, as stated by the Firstpost.

On April 26, the US Marines airlifted the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) to Batan Island. Meanwhile, US and Filipino military conducted live-fire operations in Zambales province, targeting simulated hostile drones near the disputed South China Sea.

These operations are part of the annual Balikatan military drills, which have grown considerably this year, Firstpost reprted.

Approximately 9,000 US troops, 5,000 Filipino military, plus contingents from Australia, Japan, and other countries are deployed in numerous important areas throughout the region.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposed an emergency economic package on Friday to mitigate the impact of increased US import tariffs on Japanese households and businesses.

As claimed by Reuters, the measures include increased gasoline and electricity subsidies, as well as low-interest loans for small and medium-sized businesses. Ishiba urged ministers to support sectors such as automobiles and steel, which face significant risks.

Finance Minister Ryosei Akazawa stated that the package would be provided from reserve money, with additional actions feasible if necessary. He will visit Washington next week for further trade talks, Reuters reported.

California has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth largest economy, according to recent data released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, BBC reported.

The state’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached $4.10trn in 2024, edging past Japan’s $4.01trn.

Governor Gavin Newsom hailed the milestone, saying California is “setting the pace” for global economic growth. The state now ranks behind only the United States as a whole, China, and Germany, according to BBC.

The announcement comes amid Newsom’s ongoing criticism of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and his concerns about the long-term stability of California’s economy.

Japan's manufacturing sector fell for the ninth consecutive month in April, with the au Jibun Bank flash PMI climbing to 48.5 from 48.4 in March.

According to Reuters, new orders decreased substantially, and company confidence dropped to its lowest level since June 2020 due to US tariff concerns.

Meanwhile, the services sector recovered modestly, with the PMI rising to 52.2 from 50.0, boosted by better demand and the largest increase in sales in three months.

Reuters reported that the composite PMI, which combines both sectors, bounced back to growth at 51.1, up from 48.9 in March.

As input costs increased at the quickest rate in two years, businesses raised their selling prices. Japan's economy is nonetheless hampered by persistent inflation and unclear trade policy.

Japan recorded a trade deficit in its March-April fiscal year but racked up a surplus with the US, the Finance Ministry reported Thursday.

Japan’s global trade deficit totaled 5.2 tn yen (USD 37 bn) for the fiscal year through March, for the fourth straight year of deficits, according to the provisional statistics. The surplus with the US ballooned to 9 tn yen (USD 63 bn), Firstpost reported.

Exports to the United States are a contentious issue for US President Trump, and Japanese negotiators are in Washington to press their case against increased US tariffs.

Japan is a long-standing US ally and major investor in the US, employing hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Japan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Miyaji Takuma, on Monday paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba.

The Foreign Minister and Japan's Minister of State who are presently in Muscat, the capital of Oman, to attend the '8th Indian Ocean Conference' held the bilateral meeting today.

 During the meeting, the two exchanged views on various dimensions of Nepal-Japan relations and mutual interests. On the occasion, the Minister recognized Japan as one of the major development partners, contributing to Nepal's development in the socio-economic sectors.

The two also discussed the upcoming celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties in 2026. Matters relating to the likely exchange of high-level visits between the two countries were discussed during the meeting.

On the occasion, the Minister expected the necessary support from the Government of Japan in the aftermath of the endorsement of working procedure regarding Nepal-Japan last year's agreement to hire skilled workforce from Nepal for the upcoming five years.

The Minister also utilized the opportunity to call on the Government of Japan to assist Nepal in the reconstruction of the BP Highway that was significantly damaged by the September (2023) rains.

Foreign Minister Rana urged Japan for its cooperation to connect Japan with the Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Airport with direct flights.

The extension of the direct flight between Nepal and Japan (Narita-Kathmandu) to Lumbini will be beneficial for Japanese citizens aspiring to visit Lumbini, enhancing cultural ties between Nepal and Japan. In response, the Japanese Minister said he would respond to the call after a feasibility evaluation.

Nepal defeated Japan by 45 runs to  secure third position in the Women's T20 Quadrangular Series held in Hong Kong.

Batting first after winning the toss, Nepal scored 115 runs for the loss of five wickets. Pooja Mahato top-scored with 43 runs followed by Roma Thapa who scored 22 runs while Rubina Chhetri scored 21 runs.

In reply, Japan could muster only 70 runs by losing six wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

For Nepal, Sangita Rai, Indu Burma, Sita Rana Magar, Khushi Dangol and Soni Pakhrin took one wicket each.

Earlier, Nepal had defeated Japan by 67 runs in the last match of the group stage held on Saturday.

Nepal, Tanzania, Japan and Hong Kong are participating in the four-nation series. After coming up as winners and runners-up of the group stage, Tanzania and Hong Kong will play for the title later this afternoon.

Led by captain Indu Burma, the Nepali team comprises vice-captain Bindu Rawal, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Ranamgar, Asmina Karmacharya, Kajol Shrestha, Kanchan Shrestha, Khushi Dangol, Sangeeta Rai, Soni Pakhrin, Somu Bista, Pooja Mahato, Roma Thapa and Samjhana Khadka.

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has urged the visiting Japanese Members of Parliament (MPs) to bring in more investment to Nepal from Japan.

Members of the Upper House of the Parliament of Japan as well as the members of the Nepal-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group Kobayashi Kazuhiro and Nagai Manbu are on Nepal visit.

During the meeting with the NCC team on Thursday, the NCC representatives asked the Japanese MPs for their initiatives to increase Japanese investment in Nepal adding that diplomatic and economic relations between Nepal and Japan are historical.  

On the occasion, NCC Chairman Rajendra Malla said that mutual cooperation between Nepal and Japan should be further strengthened through increased investment and business partnership.

Malla also requested the Japanese MPs to create an environment for more investment in Nepal's hydropower, infrastructure, tourist and technology sectors. 

He said that technology transfer in agriculture would help Nepal to get more benefits.

Japan is currently facing a significant challenge with its growing elderly population and declining childbirth rates. This demographic shift has led to the decline of extended families, resulting in a demand for caretakers in the Japanese market. A team of Japanese experts recently discussed the shortage of human resources and the increasing elderly population, highlighting the opportunities for Nepalis to address the human resource crisis in Japan. In a discussion organized by Annapurna Media Network on Tuesday, they shed light on the ways Nepalis can apply for semi-skilled worker positions in Japan and economically benefit from these opportunities.

In the interaction, Sanat Neupane, CEO of Annapurna Media Network, shared his perspective on Nepal-Japan relations and the migration of Nepalis seeking employment abroad. He said that Nepal and Japan have a long-standing friendship, and added that the network has been advocating for the healthcare and rights of migrant workers. “Although the ultimate goal is for Nepalis not to have to go abroad for employment, he acknowledged that if they do, Japan should be the preferred destination due to the favorable prospects it offers,” he added.

Given below is the viewpoints of the members of the delegations in their own words:

Shimichi Hotta, Advisor, Blue Sky Japan

There are no extended families in Japan anymore, and the childbirth rate is very low. We have started experiencing a shortage of human resources in Japan to take care of our elderly population. With the decreasing childbirth in the country, the population has decreased in Japan of late. Currently, there are 5,000,000 households in Japan, and about 20 percent of them are families of the elderly population. Unfortunately, the Japanese tradition of extended families has now ended, and the active working population is becoming low. Though we have insurance policies for the elderly population, the time when youths were taking care of the elderly population will not come back.

Social security has been a matter of great concern for our government. There is a high demand for caretakers in our country. To address labor shortages in various industries, the Japanese government has come up with the semi-skilled worker scheme. Under the new conditions, about 60,000 foreign workers will be allowed to enter Japan. Nepalis can cope with any kind of situation and can control their feelings and emotions, which is why there is a demand for Nepali human resources in Japan. 

Go Uehara, CEO, Blue Sky Japan

I am thankful for the opportunity to share about our work here. Our company has been providing employment for 200 Nepalis, and we are eager to offer employment opportunities to more Nepalis. People from across the world have come to Japan to work in the caregiver sector in the elderly care homes. We are focusing on how we can safely take Nepalis to Japan without them being cheated by middlemen. Our commitment is to strengthen their economic status and ensure their stay in Japan is safe.

Naohiro Beppu, General Manager, Planning Division, Medical Corporation Seihoukai

​​​​​​​We have been running nursing homes and hospitals in Japan. I have noticed that Nepalis are close to the pronunciation of the Japanese language, which is crucial for effective communication in elderly care. Nepalis are smart in developing these communication skills. We believe that  Nepalis can benefit a lot. We have already decided to take 12 Nepalis and are eager to recruit more. Currently, we have 2,500 people working with us, and we are looking to add more Nepalis to our team.

Minoru Fujisawa, Trainer/Caregiver specialist, Medical Corporation Seihoukai 

I am responsible for the training component in the company, and I strongly believe in the importance of continuous training for better job performance. In our experience, even Japanese employees may not possess all the required skills in the beginning, but Nepalis have demonstrated better skills, and they are easy to teach. Once they receive proper training, it significantly eases their work and enhances their abilities. With their inherent skills and the added benefits of training, I have full confidence that Nepali caregivers can excel in their roles and achieve remarkable outcomes. 

Yoshiyuki Masuda, General Manager, HR Division, Medical Corporation Eiseikai

I have been involved in running health care institutions, and one of the challenges we face is that elderly people often seek emergency services at a particular health institution but then have to go to other places for further treatment. Many prefer different health institutions for extended hospital stays rather than the one they used for emergency care. Additionally, doctors often recommend physiotherapy treatments for patients, but some patients prefer to stay at home, and they cannot be left alone without proper care. This has created a significant need for caretakers to assist these patients with their daily needs. 

Moreover, nursing care is also in high demand for patients who require specialized attention and support. Health practitioners also visit patients' homes for follow-up care. Due to these factors, there has been a wide demand for caretakers in Japan. Having observed the qualities of Nepali caregivers, I can say that they are smart, dedicated, and honest in their work. Because of these attributes, we have been actively seeking to recruit Nepali caregivers in our health institutions. I have already listed eight Nepalis for the second round of interview.

Akiko Wakata, Chief, HR Division, Medical Corporation Konoikekai

​​​​​​​This is my first visit to Nepal, and I am truly impressed by the Nepalis’ ability to speak Japanese properly. I have observed that they possess excellent caring skills, and those with nursing expertise will find it much easier to adapt to life in Japan. I am eager to provide caregiver certificates to Nepalis who are willing to stay and work in Japan. Currently, I have already listed six Nepalis for interviews, and I am highly interested in increasing the number to 12 or even 18. 

Santosh Poudel, Director, Blue Sky Japan

​​​​​​​To apply for the visa in Japan under this scheme, one must pass the Japanese language test. The test can be taken after completing three months of language classes at any recognized language institution in Nepal. Anyone willing to apply for the caretaker position, can sit for the test, which includes fundamental questions about caretaking. The test format is multiple-choice, and the applicant has the option to take it in either Nepali or Japanese language. The application process is free of cost, and the air ticket will also be provided at no charge. Once selected, you can work for eight hours per day and earn Rs 200,000 per month, along with access to insurance facilities.  Anyone below the age of 60 are eligible to apply for this position. The companies will offer a minimum five-year contract, and the visa should be renewed every year. Also, the applicants can take a certificate within five years of their tenure and then apply for a permanent residence in Japan.

The governments of Nepal and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in regard with the implementation of the phase III of the 'The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS)' program. 

Finance Secretary Arjun Prasad Pokhrel and Japan's ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka signed and exchanged the MoU on behalf of their respective sides amidst a program at the Ministry of Finance today.

As per the agreement, the Government of Japan is to provide Rs 385 million to Nepal for the implementation of the scholarship program in 2023 and 2024 AD. The facility is targeted at the civil service employees to pursue the Master's and Ph.D. degrees.

Nepal has been receiving these kinds of financial support for human resource development from Japan since 2015.

So far, 100 civil service employees have been benefited by the Japan-funded scholarship scheme.