Summary of major news headlines (August 17th to 19th)

Prime Minister Takaichi said he was "very disappointed" in response to the United States' designation of International Criminal Court Director Akane as subject to sanctions.

The Japanese government issued a statement from its foreign affairs spokesperson saying it was "deeply disappointed" in response to the United States' designation of the president of the International Criminal Court as a target for sanctions.

Actor Keiko Kishi has passed away. He was 93 years old.

The US President announced a moratorium on 50% tariffs on Canada.

Osaka Prefectural Police arrested the former director of Takenaka Corporation on suspicion of breach of trust of approximately 10 million yen over construction work at the Osaka/Kansai Expo.

The South Korean military announced that it will shorten the ongoing joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea until the 21st.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the US president is seeking a meeting with Kim Jong Un before the end of the year.

The United Arab Emirates announced that it had been hit by a ballistic missile attack from Iran.

The US government has designated Tomoko Akane, director of the International Criminal Court, as a target for sanctions.

South Korea's KBS TV reported that it has been decided to shorten the US-South Korea joint military exercises.

According to Reuters, the speaker of Iran's parliament said the country would continue to close the Strait of Hormuz until the US implements the memorandum of understanding.

Russia's deputy foreign minister said Russia has the right to take "appropriate countermeasures" regarding Japan's sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister expressed a "firm protest" to Ambassador Muto regarding the Japanese side's comments regarding the president's visit to Etorofu Island.

The Fisheries Agency announced that they have reached an agreement to expand the fishing quota for the large Pacific bluefin tuna by 25%.

According to South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese foreign minister will visit South Korea on the 19th and 20th.

Russia's foreign minister announced that he had asked Japan's ambassador to Russia to report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to Japan's protest against the president's visit to Etorofu Island.

Mototomo Watanabe, former coach of the Yokohama High School baseball team, has passed away. 81 years old.

It has been learned that Isao Kurauchi, chairman of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly, has expressed his intention to resign.

Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok was elected as the representative of South Korea's ruling party.

The Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly passed a motion calling for the suspension of voting on a resolution recommending the resignation of Chairman Isao Kurauchi.

Long-term interest rates rose to 2.920%, the highest level in about 30 years.

Real GDP for the April-June period increased at an annualized rate of 1.1%.

Tremors with a seismic intensity of 4 were observed in Fukuoka Prefecture.

The US President announced that he has directed the Secretary of Defense to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.

Japan placed second in the team overall at the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships and earned a spot at the Los Angeles Olympics.