Ishiba has expressed support for the Bank of Japan's moves to raise interest rates from their near-zero level. He also backs other policies, such as possibly raising corporate taxes, that are seen as less market friendly than his chief rival for the top job, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, who he beat in a run-off vote late Friday.

Japan's Ueno Zoological Garden announced the safe return of elderly pandas Shin Shin and Ri Ri to China for medical treatment. The duo had arrived in 2011, becoming a source of joy following Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami.

There were emotional scenes at Tokyo’s Ueno zoo, where visitors flocked for the last public viewing of giant pandas Ri Ri and Shin Shin on Saturday, before they are sent back to China. The ageing bears are being returned to their native land to continue treatment for high blood pressure.