New Japanese law will bar North Korean ships

What is so significant about the legislation is that it effectively bars most North Korean ships, which cannot meet that requirement, from Japanese ports, reports The Japan Times, thus squeezing a major trade line to the reclusive state. The measure has been referred to as economic sanctions in disguise. The impoverished North relies heavily on ships that travel to Japan. Such ships carry seafood and other goods for trade, while bringing back much-needed supplies and remittances from pro-Pyongyang Korean residents. The law was passed in June after numerous North Korean ships had accidents in Japanese ports, leaving local municipalities to shoulder clean-up and removal costs. Full report in The Japan Times