Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan region have violated both Japan's Constitution and international law, according to Akinobu Ito, president of Japan-China Workers Exchange Association.
Ito condemned Takaichi's comments as reckless and tantamount to abandoning the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty, which was signed in 1978.
"Sanae Takaichi made such reckless remarks that are tantamount to abandoning the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty, in my view, because in essence, it is saying 'we are going to war.' I think this not only violates Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan, but also breaches the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship," said Ito.
Ito also warned that Japan's right-wing forces have increasingly promoted the so-called "China-threat theory" and manipulated historical narratives in textbooks. He expressed concern that these actions could signal a revival of militarism in Japan.
"The Liberal Democratic Party is very good at controlling public opinion. They have control from education to media coverage. Having young people who grow up in such an environment to truly understanding what peace should mean is the most worrying issue. Frankly speaking, I think it's natural for China to believe that militarism is being revived in Japan at this moment," said Ito.
"The problem is that Takaichi's remarks have gained support among segments of the Japanese public, particularly younger generations. One reason, as mentioned earlier, is that some young people have been raised under such education," Ito continued.
"I think that the key lies in how peace and history are passed down. Increasing defense spending and strengthening deterrence should not be taught as the path to peace. Instead, the focus should be on how to create peace," Ito said.
Japan-China Workers Exchange Association president condemns PM Takaichi's remarks on China's Taiwan
Bulgaria joined the eurozone and adopted the euro as its official currency on New Year's Day, becoming the 21st member of the euro area.
To ensure a smooth transition to the new currency, throughout January, the Bulgarian lev will remain in circulation alongside the euro. Starting Feb. 1, the euro will become the country's sole legal tender.
From Jan. 1 to June 30, the exchange of lev for euros is free of charge at banks and post offices. After this period, currency exchanges will be subject to a fee.
The Bulgarian National Bank has stated that it will exchange levs for euros indefinitely, continuing the process for as long as necessary. But it added that the mandatory dual pricing of goods and services in euro and lev will end on Aug. 8, 2026. Officials and experts have expressed their confidence in the transition process.
Vladimir Ivanov, chairman of Bulgaria's State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets, described 2025 as a year of market stabilization in a brief meeting, saying he expected 2026 to begin similarly, "especially after transaction costs decrease with the introduction of the euro."
Nikolay Valkanov, executive director of the Association for Modern Trade, also said in an interview that retailers, from large chains to small shops, had made significant efforts to ensure a smooth transition to the new currency.
Eurozone accession has been a central priority for the Bulgarian government ever since the country joined the EU in 2007.
It was not until June 4, 2025, that the European Commission announced Bulgaria had met all convergence criteria. On July 8, 2025, the Council of the European Union formally approved Bulgaria's adoption of the euro, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The eurozone came into existence with the official launch of the euro on Jan. 1, 1999, in 11 countries including France, Germany and Austria.
Currently among the 27 EU countries, there are still six members, namely Sweden, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Denmark, that have not yet adopted the euro.
Bulgaria officially adopts euro with short transition period
