More than 220 Japanese academic societies of liberal arts have jointly demanded that the government explain why it refused to appoint six nominees for membership in the country's top academic body.
Ten people, including university professors who serve as heads of societies in the fields of humanities and social sciences, released the joint statement at a news conference on Friday.
A group of scholars opposed to Japan's 2016 security legislation has issued a statement demanding to know why Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide refused to appoint six new members to the Science Council of Japan.
The group's founders include the six scholars who were recommended for membership in the council, Japan's leading academic body, but rejected by Suga.
Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has expressed his gratitude to the public, issuing a statement as his cabinet resigned on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his nearly eight years in office, he said he has made all-out efforts to address both domestic and diplomatic challenges during his term. He said some of the goals were achieved, while many others were unfortunately not.
The Japanese government plans to draw up a new policy on missile defense by the end of the year.
The government held a National Security Council meeting on Friday with Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, Deputy Prime Minister Aso Taro, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide and Defense Minister Kono Taro in attendance.
Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo says Japan will play a leading role in the Group of Seven economic powers issuing a statement on Hong Kong affairs.
Abe said in the Diet on Wednesday that Japan has expressed concern over developments in Hong Kong, following China's decision to introduce national security legislation aimed at cracking down on anti-government protesters in the territory.
The benchmark Nikkei stock index has reacted positively to the Bank Of Japan's statement -- suggesting Governor Haruhiko Kuroda's words have encouraged some investors.
The statement said the central bank will strive to provide ample liquidity and ensure stability in financial markets through appropriate operations and asset purchases.