Joe Biden plans to block Nippon Steel’s takeover of US

In this week’s news digest, we report on the latest developments in Nippon Steel’s takeover of U.S. Steel. Himeji Castle plans to raise entrance fees for non-locals. Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson claims Tokyo authorities are trying to make an example of him after a Greenlandic court extended his detention. In sports, the Japanese wheelchair rugby team wins their first Paralympic title. Naoya Inoue beats Ireland TJ Doheny. Shohei Ohtani closes the score to 50-50. The Japanese men’s football team beat the Chinese team 7-0.

U.S. Steel warns of layoffs if Nippon Steel takeover fails

U.S. President Joe Biden is preparing to block Nippon Steel’s plan to acquire U.S. Steel Corp. on national security grounds, according to people familiar with the matter. It’s a controversial move that the company says could result in layoffs. The company also could be forced to move its headquarters out of Pittsburgh if the merger fails. “We hope elected leaders and other key decision makers recognize the benefits of this deal and the inevitable consequences if it fails,” explain U.S. Steel President and CEO David Burritt said in a news release Wednesday.

In December, Nippon Steel announced plans to buy U.S. Steel for nearly $15 billion. The Japanese company recently said it would invest more than $2.7 billion to replace and upgrade facilities. “These investments are contingent upon the closing of the transaction with U.S. Steel and receipt of necessary regulatory approvals. An independent U.S. Steel company would not make the same financial commitment,” the U.S. producer said in a statement. Two days ago, Vice President Kamala Harris said at a Labor Day rally in Pittsburgh that U.S. Steel should remain domestically owned and operated. Donald Trump agrees.

Himeji Castle to increase ticket prices for non-locals

The Himeji City Government is considering doubling or even tripling the price of tickets to Himeji Castle in an effort to attract visitors who don’t live locally. The government is also considering offering a premium ticket plan for foreign visitors, including discounts at nearby restaurants and luggage storage services. The extra revenue would help fund necessary conservation efforts. Before making a final decision, the local government plans to solicit feedback from Himeji residents, tourism stakeholders, and visitors. If approved, the goal is to launch the new ticket prices as early as spring 2026.

“Himeji Castle has more buildings designated as national treasures or important cultural properties than any other castle in Japan, and ticket sales are an important source of funds for the preservation and inheritance of the castle,” explain The plan differs from one proposed earlier this year by Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto, who told an international seminar in June that the city was considering “quadrupling” ticket prices for foreign tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site. His comments sparked a heated debate, with some describing the idea as “xenophobic.”

Greenland court extends Paul Watson’s detention

A Greenlandic court ruled on Wednesday that anti-whaling activist Paul Watson must remain in detention until October 2, pending a decision on his extradition to Japan. The Canadian-American environmental, conservation and animal rights activist was detained in July on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan in 2012. The 73-year-old became famous for his role on the reality TV show Whale Warsaccused of causing damage to a Japanese whaling ship, obstructing operations and injuring a crew member during an encounter in Antarctic waters in February 2010. He was arrested in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, after boarding the John Paul DeJoria whaling ship.

“This is revenge for a TV show that embarrassed Japan in front of the whole world,” Watson said in court. “There are hundreds of hours of video documenting what happened in the Southern Ocean. I think that reviewing all the video and all the documents will clear my name.” Watson claimed in an interview with AFP that Tokyo holds a grudge against him. “They want to set an example and not interfere with their whaling activities.” Watson is a founding member of Greenpeace and a former president of Sea Shepherd.

Japan beats the United States to win first Paralympic wheelchair rugby gold medal

Japan won its first Paralympic wheelchair rugby title. They beat the United States 48-41 in a thrilling final at the Champ de Mars on Monday to claim the gold medal. It was the third consecutive year that Japan has won medals in the sport, following the Rio and Tokyo Olympics. 22-year-old Katsuya Hashimoto led with 19 attempts, while 44-year-old captain Shinji Ikeyuki crossed the finish line 16 times. After receiving his medal, Shinji Ikeyuki lifted it to the sky. It was his way of dedicating his victory to the three friends who died in an accident when he was 19.

Also on Monday, Sarina Satomi and Daiki Kajiwara both successfully defended their wheelchair badminton titles. Thursday, The Japanese men’s goalball team won its first gold medal at the Paralympics. Sano Yusuke scored the golden goal to help the team beat Ukraine 4-3. exist Wheelchair Tennis, pair Shangdi Manami Tanaka steps onto the podiumDefeated the Dutch duo Diede de Groot and Aniek van Koot Women’s Doubles Final. Shangdi At the time of Oda, the averageTheir respective singles finals. Natsuki Wada became Japan’s first disabled table tennis champion. The country’s other gold medals in the pool so far have come from Takayuki Suga.Ozu and Keiichi Kimura.

After TJ Doheny’s win, what’s next for pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue?

The win wasn’t the dramatic one that fans at the Ariake Arena were expecting, but it was still another impressive victory regardless. Naoya Inoue remains the undisputed world super bantamweight champion after TJ Doheny was forced to withdraw in the seventh round with a back injury on Tuesday. The Irishman put up a good fight, but the Japanese nicknamed “The Monster” controlled the fight. Inoue’s striking took its toll on Doheny, who always seemed to be one step ahead of his opponents, and improved his career record to 28-0. The question now is what happens next?

After the match, legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum explain: “I told him it was another great performance. I know he’ll be back in Tokyo at the end of the year to defend his title again. And then we’ll take him to Las Vegas for a big celebration.” Later, Lance Pugmire of Boxing Scene asked Arum about possible opponents in the United States. He reply“The best man. This has to be a big deal because we’re going to be attracting thousands of Japanese tourists to Las Vegas. It’s going to be something really special.”

Shohei Ohtani is one step closer to his historic 50-50 goal

Last Friday, Shohei Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 43 home runs and 43 stolen bases in a single season. The next day, he hit his 44th home run to help the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-6. On Monday, he completed an outstanding three stolen bases in the team’s 11-6 win over the same opponents. This brings his record for the season to 44-46. So, will he become the first member of the 50-50 club? ESPN experts seem to think so. 18 people were asked if he would reach the goal, and 16 of them answered “yes”.