Takaichi, a hardline conservative who was approved by parliament as Japan's first female prime minister last week, is a regular visitor to Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine, which honours Japan's war dead, including soldiers and officials convicted of war crimes by an international tribunal.

China has reacted strongly to Japan’s Prime Minister suggesting an attack on Taiwan could prompt Japan to militarily intervene.

Tension between Japan and China has escalated over the new Japanese leader's suggestion Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan.

China has intensified its economic pressure on Japan, with state-owned enterprises banning employees from travelling to its Asian neighbour, tour groups and a flagship forum being cancelled and Japanese film releases suspended.

Bear sightings and attacks have increased in parts of Japan, especially in municipalities close to or adjacent to populated zones,” the U.S. Embassy said in a wildlife alert.

Japan has reported its economy contracted at a 1.8% annual pace in July-September as President Donald Trump’s tariffs hurt exports.

TOKYO (Reuters) -A Japan ruling-party panel consisting of lawmakers close to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed on Tuesday compiling a supplementary budget exceeding 25 trillion yen ($161 billion) to fund the premier's planned stimulus package.