Modern phoenix: The bird brought back from extinction in Japan
Every day for the past 14 years, 72-year-old Masaoki Tsuchiya has set out before sunrise to search for a bird rescued from extinction in Japan.
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Japan
Sino-Japanese talks over China’s gas drilling end in deadlock again?
Senior Japanese diplomat Takehiro Funakoshi, to meet Hong Liang, who oversees Beijing’s border and ocean affairs, in first high-level contact on the issue in months
140 Constituencies to Be Reviewed for Japan’s Lower House
A record 140 single-seat constituencies in a record 25 prefectures will come under review for Japan’s House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, according to a proposal made by a government panel on Thursday.
G-7 ministers to meet next week with focus on food crisis
The Group of Seven major developed nations are arranging a ministerial meeting in Germany late next week to discuss food shortages in regions such as Africa highly reliant on Ukrainian grain imports, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine…
Japan, Australia agree to work for ‘free, open Indo-Pacific’ region
The defense chiefs of Japan and Australia on Wednesday vowed to continue their “close” bilateral coordination in what Tokyo called “regional engagement.”
Asian benchmarks decline after bear market hits Wall Street
Asian shares fell across the board Tuesday after Wall Street tumbled into a bear market, indicating that major U.S. benchmarks and individual stocks have fallen 20% or more from a recent high for a sustained period of time.
Japan, US conduct joint drill after North Korea missile tests
Japan and the US carried out a joint air patrol in the Asia-Pacific region in response to recent missile launches by North Korea, Japan's Defense Ministry
The World’s Most Expensive And The Cheapest City For Expats
Higher prices and a stronger currency over the past year have kept Hong Kong at the top of the most expensive list.
Sony’s former chief executive Idei dies, aged 84
Nobuyuki Idei, the former chief executive of Sony Group Corp 6758.T, who led the Japanese conglomerate for a decade, died of liver failure on June 2, aged 84, the company said on Tuesday.
North Korea test-fires salvo of short-range missiles
North Korea test-fired a salvo of eight short-range ballistic missiles from multiple locations toward the sea on Sunday, South Korea’s military said, extending a provocative streak in weapons demonstrations this year that U.S. and South…
Japanese prime minister, French president speak over phone
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke by phone Wednesday with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Asian shares mixed after stocks retreat on Wall Street
Shares were mixed in Asia on Wednesday after a wobbly day on Wall Street closed out a month buffeted by worries about a possible recession, inflation and rising interest rates.
Japan’s factory output slumps in worrying sign for economy
Japan’s factory output fell sharply last month as China’s draconian “zero COVID” policies and supply chain blockages hampered manufacturing and dampened prospects for growth in the world’s third-largest economy.
Biden hosts ASEAN as he looks to show Pacific commitment
Joe Biden is hosting leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as his administration makes an extended effort to demonstrate that the United States
Australia and India thank Quad for new free trade deal
India and Australia’s trade ministers say a shared security partnership with the United States and Japan has helped them strike a trade deal
India-Japan focussed on defence ties
Tillotoma Foundation held a meeting with Captain Hiroshi Tachibana, Naval Attaché, Embassy of Japan in India, at the New Delhi Office,
N. Korea says it test-fired biggest ICBM, US adds sanctions
North Korea said Friday it test-fired its biggest-yet intercontinental ballistic missile under the orders of leader Kim Jong Un, who vowed
Asian shares rise, eyeing Ukraine, inflation, energy costs
Asian shares were mostly higher Tuesday as investors eyed the war in Ukraine, inflationary risks and surging energy prices.
Japan’s Denso hit by apparent ransomware attack
An alleged cybercrime group released a statement had stolen classified information from Toyota Motor Corp's main supplier Denso
Japan set to extend coronavirus limits, ease border rules
Japan is set to loosen border controls to allow more people to enter the country, especially students, while extending infection control
70 Japanese have volunteered to fight for Ukraine: Report
70 Japanese Ukrainian call for foreign volunteers to fight Russia's invasion, according to a media report
Asia shares rise after US rebound amid sanctions on Ukraine
Asian shares mostly rose on February 25 after U.S. stocks recovered toward the end of a wild trading day, as governments slapped sanctions
Biden hits Russia with tough export curbs, slashing access to global tech
Biden administration announced sweeping export restrictions against Russia on Thursday, hammering its access to global exports
Biden meets with G7, addresses US on response to Russia
U.S. President Joe Biden met with his counterparts from the Group of Seven allies on Thursday morning to map out more severe measures
Japan set to announce easing of strict border measures
TOKYO
Japan is set to announce on Thursday that it will ease border controls put in place to counter the spread of the coronavirus, measures that are the strictest among wealthy nations and have been slammed by business leaders and…
Tonga COVID-19 cases surge in wake of eruption
NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga
The Omicron coronavirus variant entered Tonga for the first time in the wake of last month's volcanic eruption, officials confirmed on Thursday (Feb 10), as the number of COVID-19 cases in the kingdom almost doubled to…
Japan COVID-19 border policy keeps thousands of foreigners in limbo
TOKYO
More than a year ago Sebastian Bressa finished his paperwork to become a language teacher in Tokyo and made plans to quit his job in Sydney. His life has been in limbo ever since.
Japan has kept its door closed to most…
Navy prepares F-35C recovery op in South China Sea as Japan issues salvage notice
The U.S. Navy has largely kept mum about how it will raise the wreckage of a high-tech F-35C Lightning II jet that crashed onto an aircraft carrier and fell into the South China Sea last week, but a maritime navigation alert released by the…
Why anti-Korean racism is festering in Japan
Nationalist sentiments against ethnic Koreans are reportedly on the rise in Japan once again, reportedly in connection with looming elections in Seoul and ramped up missile testing in Pyongyang.
Zainichi, the Japanese term for ethnic…
Asian shares slide after more losses on Wall Street
BANGKOK
Shares were lower in Asia on Friday after a late afternoon sell-off wiped out gains for stocks on Wall Street.
Tokyo fell 0.9% after Toyota Motor Corp. announced production cuts due to parts shortages. Other major regional…
US, other countries condemn North Korea’s ballistic missile launch
The US and five other countries urged North Korea on Monday to end its nuclear program and ballistic missile tests.
The US, UK, France, Ireland, Albania and Japan issued a joint statement ahead of a UN Security Council session that…
Japanese intelligence agency warns of Chinese security threats
TOKYO
A Japanese intelligence agency has warned of economic security threats emanating from China, which it says is heading to acquire technology that can be used for several purposes like acquiring Japanese firms and recruiting talented…
27 people feared dead in building fire in Osaka
TOKYO
Twenty-seven people are feared dead after a fire broke out in a building in Osaka in western Japan, fire department officials said Friday.
The fire started on the fourth floor of an eight-story building in a shopping and…
Asian markets close day in positive territory
Following positive figures from Asian countries, such as Chinese industrial production and Japan’s additional budget developments, Asian stock markets closed Thursday positive.
The Asia Dow, which includes blue-chip companies in the…
Wary, weary world slams doors shut, fearing omicron variant
BRUSSELS
Taking an act-now-ask-questions-later approach, countries around the world slammed their doors shut again to try to keep the new omicron variant at bay Monday as more cases of the mutant coronavirus emerged and scientists raced…
Stocks open mostly lower, but tech companies edge higher
BEIJING
Global stocks were mostly higher Friday after Wall Street hit a record and Japan’s Cabinet approved a record stimulus package worth nearly a half-billion dollars.
London, Frankfurt, Shanghai and Tokyo advanced. Hong Kong…
U.S. asks Japan, China, others to consider tapping oil reserves
WASHINGTON
The Biden administration has asked some of the world's largest oil consuming nations - including China, India and Japan - to consider releasing crude stockpiles in a coordinated effort to lower global energy prices, according…
Vaccines, masks? Japan puzzling over sudden virus success
TOKYO
Almost overnight, Japan has become a stunning, and somewhat mysterious, coronavirus success story.
Daily new COVID-19 cases have plummeted from a mid-August peak of nearly 6,000 in Tokyo, with caseloads in the densely populated…
Japan PM sends offering to controversial Yasukuni shrine
TOKYO
Japan’s prime minister today sent a ritual offering to the controversial Yasukuni shrine that honours war dead and is seen by neighbouring countries as a symbol of Tokyo’s past militarism.
Fumio Kishida sent the “masakaki” tree…
How China flights near Taiwan inflame tensions
A recent spate of Chinese military flights off southwestern Taiwan has prompted alarm from the island, which Beijing claims as its own, and is increasing tensions in a region already on edge.
The flights are one piece of a complex puzzle…
6.1-magnitude earthquake Tokyo and surrounding areas
TOKYO
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook Japanese capital Tokyo and surrounding areas on Thursday night time (Oct 7), however no tsunami warning used to be issued, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Initial information from the JMA…
Fumio Kishida starts work
TOKYO
Fumio Kishida got to work as Japan's prime minister on Tuesday, holding talks with foreign leaders, a day after taking office and forming a Cabinet to meet challenges including reviving an economy battered by COVID-19.
"I have a…
Biden promised Japan to defend disputed islands, says Japan PM Fumio Kishida
TOKYO
New Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said today that he received a “strong” message from President Joe Biden about the United States' commitment to defending the disputed East China Sea islets known as the Senkaku Islands in…
Japan’s incoming government to be heavy with ex-PM Abe’s allies
TOKYO
Japan’s incoming prime minister Fumio Kishida will formally take office yesterday, naming authorities set to be heavy on allies of former prime minister Shinzo Abe and making sure Abe’s conservative base will retain effect over the…
China today thinks it’s safer to be feared than to be loved
Beijing
The france-based research body has described how "Machiavellian" China has built a tentacular network to exert its influence worldwide, a media report said.
The Strategic Research Institute of France's renowned Military…
Japan’s restaurants, bars welcome back drinkers
TOKYO
Typhoon winds and rain dampened what might have been a more celebratory mood in Tokyo today, as restaurants were allowed to sell alcohol and stay open later following the lifting of the latest Covid-19 state of emergency.
Japan…
Japan’s next PM Fumio Kishida after winning ruling party LDP election
TOKYO
Japan’s former foreign minister Fumio Kishida is about to be sworn in as Mr. Yoshihide Suga’s successor as Prime Minister after he won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s internal election on Wednesday (Sept 29).
The Diet will…
North Korea says test hypersonic missile on Sept. 28
BEIJING
North Korea test-fired a newly developed hypersonic missile on Tuesday as a part of efforts to realize its five-year weapons development plan, the official Korean Central news agency said.
KCNA's report came on Wednesday, each…
US Air Force chief focuses on China’s growing challenge over West Pacific, Japan and Taiwan
Washington
US Air Force chief General Charles Brown is very focused on the growing challenge and assertiveness of China's military airpower over the Western Pacific and toward Japan and Taiwan, Sputnik reported.
General Charles Brown…
Quad coordinate diplomatic, economic, human-rights policies towards Afghanistan
Washington
The first-ever in-person Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit, leaders of the Quad nations during a joint statement said they're going to closely coordinate diplomatic, economic, and human-rights policies towards…
Asian shares mostly lower after mixed trading on Wall Street
Asian shares were mostly lower on Wednesday after major indexes ended mixed on Wall Street.
Benchmarks fell in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Taiwan but rose in Sydney. Markets in South Korea and Hong Kong were closed for holidays.
The Bank of…
Japan, U.S., South Korea affirm efforts to denuclearize North Korea
TOKYO
Senior diplomats from Japan, US, and South Korea agreed Tuesday to continue their efforts toward the denuclearization of North Korea through "dialogue and sanctions," a Japanese foreign ministry official said.
Their meeting in…
Kin of dead Sri Lankan urge Japan immigration to completely disclose video
Tokyo
The family of a Sri Lankan woman who died in March following mistreatment at a Japanese immigration center visited the immigration agency Friday to hunt full disclosure of two weeks' worth of security camera footage of her final…
Japan Intend to Bring Back Soil Tests From Mars Moon By 2029
Japan's space organization intends to bring soil tests back from the Mars region in front of the U.S. what's more, Chinese missions currently working on Mars, in order to discover signs of the planet's starting point and hints of…
Sneaking a peek: Fans find creative ways to glimpse Olympics
MISHIMA, Japan
The soon-to-be Olympic champion was in what cyclists derisively call “the pain cave,” empty lungs searing and legs feeling like dead weight. The climb he was on seemed interminable, the evil gradient sending him straight…
Global shares trading mixed as China reports growth slowed
Global shares were mostly lower on Thursday after China reported its economic growth slowed in the April-June quarter to a still robust 7.9%.
France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.2% in early trading to 6,547.07. Germany’s DAX edged down 0.5% to…
Japan donate about 1.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Nepal
The Government of Japan donates about 1.6 million doses of Japanese-made COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine for Nepal as a grant through COVAX facility, which is officially announced today by MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of…
Rights group urges Japan to update law on changing gender
TOKYO
An international rights group on Tuesday urged Japan to change a law that it says puts “abusive and outdated” burdens on transgender people seeking to have their gender change legally recognized, including sterilization surgery and…
Asian shares track Wall St decline; bitcoin sinks
TOKYO
Asian shares fell Wednesday, tracking a decline on Wall Street that was led by big technology stocks. The price of bitcoin plunged again after the China Banking Association warned of risks associated with digital currencies.…
Global shares gain despite pandemic, inflation fears
TOKYO
Global shares advanced Tuesday as investors snapped up bargains after recent sell-offs spurred by a worsening of the pandemic in some countries.
France’s CAC 40 gained 0.4% in early trading to 6,390.95, while Germany’s DAX…
SoftBank posts $45 bn net profit, Japan’s highest ever
Tokyo
Investment giant Softbank Group on Wednesday reported an annual net profit of $45.8 billion, the best ever for a Japanese company, reaping the rewards of tech share rallies to recover from last year's record loss.
The telecoms…
Asian shares slide after tech sell-off on Wall Street
BANGKOK
Shares dropped Tuesday in Asia after selling of several Big Tech companies pulled U.S. benchmarks lower.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 sank 2.8% and Hong Kong lost 2.4% early Tuesday.
Despite reassurances from the Federal Reserve and…
Asian shares rise on US rally, jobs data signaling low rates
TOKYO
Asian shares rose Monday, cheered by a rally on Wall Street as a grim jobs report signaled to investors that interest rates will likely stay low.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.0% in morning trading to 29,644.96. Australia’s…
Can Asia reinvent global trade?
Bilahari Kausikan
Let’s not believe our own propaganda. Asia reinventing global trade is a superficially attractive but problematic proposition. It assumes there once was a free international economy open to reinvention. It assumes there…
Japan gov’t warns Line over insufficient personal data protection
TOKYO
The Japanese government on Monday ordered messaging app provider Line Corp. to take measures to properly protect customers' information after such data were found accessible by a Chinese affiliate without user consent.
The…
China conducts landform survey of disputed islands in East China Sea
BEIJING
The Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources on Monday issued a landform survey report on the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are controlled by Japan but claimed by the Communist-led government.
The ministry said the…
Japan ruling party election loss a blow to Suga government
TOKYO
Japan’s ruling party lost all three parliamentary byelections held Sunday, loosening Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s grip on power ahead of national elections later this year.
Suga said he takes seriously the results that are…
Japan’s Suga makes offerings at war shrine but doesn’t visit
TOKYO
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday donated religions offerings to a Tokyo shrine viewed by China and both Koreas as a symbol of wartime aggression, though he avoided a visit.
Suga’s offering of “masakaki” leaves…
Asian shares slide after tech, bank sell-off on Wall Street
BANGKOK
Shares skidded in Asia on Wednesday after Wall Street closed lower for a second straight day, led by drops in technology companies and banks.
Worsening coronavirus outbreaks in Asia have cast a shadow over prospects for a…
Japan, India to postpone security talks amid surging COVID cases
TOKYO
The Japanese and Indian governments have decided to postpone their foreign and defense ministerial talks scheduled this weekend in Tokyo as a rapid increase in coronavirus cases in India has made it difficult for the ministers to…
Myanmar junta detains Japanese journalist
A Japanese freelance journalist detained by security forces in Myanmar's largest city Yangon has been investigated for allegedly spreading fake news, the Japanese Embassy in Myanmar said Monday.
Yuki Kitazumi, a former reporter for the…
Philippines deploys more navy ships to disputed sea amid row with China
Manila
The Philippine military ordered the deployment of more navy ships to the South China Sea Thursday amid a growing diplomatic row over a fleet of Chinese boats parked near a disputed reef.
China claims almost the entirety of the…
Tokyo asks China to end Covid-19 anal swabs for Japanese
Tokyo
Japan has asked China to avoid using anal swabs to test its citizens for coronavirus, saying the method prompted complaints of "psychological distress".
Tokyo's intervention comes after reports that US diplomatic personnel in…
SoftBank reaches $1.6 billion settlement with WeWork founder, others
Tokyo, Japan
Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank Group said Monday it will pay $1.6 billion to settle a legal dispute with the founder and directors of US shared-office provider WeWork Inc.
The legal battle stemmed from…
China, India, Russia engage in vaccine diplomacy as western nations hoard supplies
Tokyo, Japan
China, India and Russia are stepping up efforts to expand their influence by providing coronavirus vaccines to developing and middle-income countries, while advanced countries scramble to secure doses of US- and…
UN: Latest climate pledges very far from Paris goals
Renewed promises to slash greenhouse gas emissions from countries as part of the Paris climate deal are "very far" from what is required to avert catastrophic global warming, the United Nations said on Friday.
In its assessment of the…
US destroyer sails in South China Sea in “freedom of navigation” operation
Tokyo, Japan
A US Navy destroyer sailed near the China-claimed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Wednesday in a "freedom of navigation" operation, the 7th Fleet said.
The operation involving the guided missile destroyer…
Only 21% cleaning hands appropriately in Japan
TOKYO
Just over 21 percent of people in Japan are washing or sanitizing their hands appropriately amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to an online survey by a team drawn from Tokyo Medical University and other institutions.…
ANA plans to cut workforce 20% over 5 yrs to survive COVID-19 crisis
Tokyo
ANA Holdings Inc. plans to reduce its workforce in the aviation business by roughly 20 percent over the next five years through natural attrition to cut costs and cope with the COVID-19 crisis that has depressed travel demand,…
Japanese manufacturers halt production in Myanmar after coup
TOKYO
Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corp. and auto parts maker Denso Corp. said Tuesday they have halted production in Myanmar to ensure the safety of their employees following a military coup the previous day.
The two companies…
South Korea “downgrades” Japan’s status in defense white paper
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea's Defense Ministry dropped its description of Japan as a "partner" in the latest defense white paper published Tuesday, a move painted by local media as a "downgrade" that reflects worsening ties between…
Yahoo to remove online hate content in Japan
American web services provider Yahoo will remove “hateful and defamatory” content uploaded online in Japan.
The company said it will use artificial intelligence to remove such content, the Japanese news agency Kyodo News reported.
“We…
US, Australia, India, Japan discuss China’s growing power
TOKYO
Japan’s new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday at a meeting with the U.S. and other diplomats that their “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” initiative, a concept to counter China’s growing assertiveness, is more important than ever…
Bluefin tuna in focus as Japan seeks boost to catch limits
MITO, Japan
Countries involved in managing bluefin tuna fisheries are set to face-off over a Japanese proposal to raise its catch quotas for the fish, highly prized for sushi and sashimi.
At an online meeting that began Tuesday, Japan is…
Asian shares rise on optimism about Trump’s recovery
TOKYO
Shares rose Monday in Asia as investors were encouraged by positive reports about President Donald Trump’s health after he tested positive for the coronavirus.
Trump briefly ventured out in a motorcade on Sunday to salute cheering…
Japanese chipmaker Kioxia postpones $3.2 billion IPO plan amid U.S.-China tensions
TOKYO
Kioxia Holdings Corp, the world’s second-largest maker of flash memory chips, on Monday postponed plans for what would have been Japan’s largest initial public offering (IPO) this year, as U.S-China tensions cloud the global chip…
Japan’s PM Suga says agreed to coordinate closely with Trump after first talks
TOKYO
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the importance of their countries’ alliance in phone talks on Sunday, their first since Suga took over as Japan’s new leader.
Suga said Trump told…
On holiday weekend, travel surges in Japan
TOKYO
Train stations and airports in Japan were filled with people over this “Silver Week” holiday weekend running through Tuesday, in a sign of recovering local travel amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The surge of domestic travel is a…
Asia mostly higher despite Wall Street slump, virus fears
TOKYO
Asian shares were mostly higher Friday despite some investor attention shifting again to the uncertainties in global economies amid the coronavirus pandemic, as reflected in the overnight fall on Wall Street.
Japan’s benchmark…
Sony to launch much anticipated PlayStation 5 in November
SAN FRANCISCO
As video gameplay booms during the pandemic, Sony’s much anticipated PlayStation 5 will be rolled out in November, taking on a new offering by console rival Xbox.
A streamed event showcasing games tailored for PS5 ended…
End of Abe era leaves Japan still searching for way forward
MITO, Japan
Among the challenges awaiting newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is the urgent challenge of how to keep the world’s third-largest economy growing as its population ages and shrinks.
Yoshihide Suga,…
Japan’s new PM Yoshihide Suga, self-made and strong-willed
TOKYO
Before he got Japan’s top government job officially, Yoshihide Suga was known as a “shadow” prime minister and the right-hand man for his long-serving predecessor.
When Shinzo Abe announced last month he would resign due to ill…
Asian shares mostly higher after Wall Street gains
Shares were mostly higher in Asia on Wednesday after advances for big technology companies carried Wall Street to further gains overnight.
Benchmarks rose modestly in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul but the Shanghai Composite index was almost…
Japan begins trial of Nissan, ex-executive over Ghosn’s pay
TOKYO
The financial misconduct trial of former Nissan executive Greg Kelly began Tuesday with Kelly saying he committed no crimes and was only trying to keep his star boss Carlos Ghosn from leaving.
The charges being heard at Tokyo…
With Abe’s exit, Seoul seeks to mend Japan ties
KIM TONG-HYUNG
It took a bombshell resignation before Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe heard anything nice from South Korea.
The rare praise came after years of diplomatic rows and testy confrontations between Abe and South Korean…
Global shares rise as investors look ahead to Fed meeting
TOKYO
Global shares rose Monday, despite the roller-coaster ride that Wall Street ended with last week, as traders awaited cues from the U.S. central bank expected later in the week.
France’s CAC 40 gained 0.6% to 5,065.52, while…
Suga wins party vote, all but assuring election as Japan PM
TOKYO
Yoshihide Suga was elected as the new head of Japan’s ruling party on Monday, all but assuring that he will become the country’s new prime minister when a parliamentary election is held later in the week.
Despite his low-key…
Asian shares mixed after another Wall Street tech sell-off
TOKYO
Asian shares were mixed Friday following a selloff of technology shares on Wall Street.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 recouped early losses to rise 0.6% to 23,383.87. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 0.1% to 2,394.09, while…
Typhoon lashes South Korea after battering Japanese islands
SEOUL, South Korea
A powerful typhoon damaged buildings, flooded roads and knocked out power to thousands of homes in South Korea on Monday after battering islands in southern Japan, killing one person and injuring dozens of others,…
Nissan’s Ghosn gone, American Kelly faces Japan trial alone
TOKYO
His boss Carlos Ghosn escaped financial misconduct charges by fleeing the country, but another former Nissan executive is still awaiting trial in Japan: Greg Kelly.
Kelly’s trial in Tokyo District Court is to open Sept. 15, nearly…
Typhoon Haishen unleashes rain, strong winds in south Japan
TOKYO
The second powerful typhoon to slam Japan in a week unleashed fierce winds and rain on southern islands on Sunday, blowing off rooftops and leaving homes without power as it edged northward into an area vulnerable to flooding and…
China’s rise takes the world into uncharted waters
Twice in the 20th century, Japan challenged the West, first in a military-led attempt to become an imperial power and then as an industrial powerhouse. Now it is China’s turn to take the global stage.
Seventy-five years after Japan’s…
2nd crew member, dead cows found after ship sinks off Japan
TOKYO
Japan’s coast guard rescued a survivor floating in a raft Friday hours after finding an unconscious crew member in waters where a ship carrying thousands of cows from New Zealand capsized and is believed to have sunk during stormy…
Livestock ship carrying 42 crew missing off southern Japan
TOKYO
Japanese rescuers were searching Thursday for a livestock ship with 42 crew members on board that sent a distress signal during rough weather off southern Japan.
The Coast Guard safely rescued a Filipino crew member from the waters…
5 things to know about Japan’s World War II surrender
TOKYO
World War II ended 75 years ago, but not all countries commemorate it on the same day. Wednesday is the anniversary of the formal Sept. 2, 1945, surrender of Japan to the United States, when documents were signed officially ending…
Asian shares mixed following Wall St retreat
TOKYO
Major Asian share indexes meandered between modest gains and losses Tuesday after a retreat on Wall Street.
Australia’s benchmark led the declines, falling nearly 2% as the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to keep interest rates at…
Japan’s Suga to join race to succeed PM Abe: Kyodo
Tokyo
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga intends to run in the ruling party leadership race to succeed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday, citing an unnamed source.
Abe, Japan's longest-serving…
Dalai Lama expresses concern over poor health of Shinzo Abe
Dharamshala,India
Dalai Lama on Saturday expressed concern over the poor health of Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who had on Friday resigned due to health issues.
In a letter to Abe, Dalai Lama wrote, "I pray that your treatment will be…
Abe says ‘gut wrenching’ resignation leaves goals unfinished
TOKYO
Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said he is stepping down because a chronic health problem has resurfaced. He told reporters Friday that it was “gut wrenching” to leave many of his goals unfinished.
Abe has had…
Japan keeping eye on South China Sea after China fires missiles
TOKYO
Japan has been watching China's recent moves in the South China Sea "with concern," a government spokesman said Thursday, after Beijing was reported to have fired ballistic missiles into the waters the previous day.
"Our country is…
Remains dug from Japan mass grave suggest epidemic in 1800s
TOKYO
Archaeologists have dug up the remains of more than 1,500 people, many of them believed to have died in an epidemic, buried in a 19th century mass grave while excavating as part of a city development project in Osaka in western…
Japan’s exports plunge amid crush from coronavirus pandemic
TOKYO
Japan’s exports plunged 19.2% in July from a year earlier, as the coronavirus pandemic sapped global demand for goods from the third largest economy, government data showed Wednesday.
The Finance Ministry’s provisional numbers…
Asian shares mixed on weak China data, worries over pandemic
TOKYO
Asian shares were mostly higher in cautious trading Friday as investors studied fresh data out of China showing that its recovery remains subdued.
China reported factory output rose 4.8% from a year earlier in July, on a par with…
War’s end meant years of pain for Japanese girl in China
TOKYO
The last day of the Pacific War was also supposed to be Fumie Sato’s last.
After hearing Emperor Hirohito’s Aug. 15, 1945, radio broadcast declaring Japan would soon be “enduring the unendurable” in defeat, her father, an Imperial…
Japan appeals court order to recognize ‘black rain’ victims
TOKYO
Japan’s government and the city of Hiroshima have appealed a court ruling ordering them to certify dozens of people who were exposed to radioactive “black rain” in the aftermath of the 1945 U.S. atomic bomb attack.
The appeal comes…
Japan’s legacy of forced labor haunts ties with neighbors
TOKYO
For years, Yeom Chan-soon was haunted by the cracking sound of a leather belt eating into the flesh of a fellow Korean mine worker being punished for trying to escape from forced labor in Japan.
That dark chapter in Japan’s history,…
Toyota’s profit plunges as pandemic halves vehicle sales
TOKYO
Toyota’s profit plunged 74% in the last quarter as the coronavirus pandemic sank vehicle sales to about half of what the top Japanese automaker sold the previous year.
Toyota Motor Corp. reported on Thursday a profit of 158.8…
Hiroshima survivor recalls working on tram after A-bomb
HIROSHIMA, Japan
Tetsuko Shakuda was a frightened 14-year-old when she resumed her work as a conductor on a tram line in the devastated city of Hiroshima, just three days after the atomic bomb exploded 75 years ago, badly damaging the…
Hiroshima court recognizes atomic bomb ‘black rain’ victims
TOKYO
A Japanese court on Wednesday for the first time recognized people exposed to radioactive “black rain” that fell after the 1945 U.S. atomic attack on Hiroshima as atomic bomb survivors, ordering the city and the prefecture to provide…
Asian shares mixed amid dismal earnings, Wall Street slump
TOKYO
Asian shares were mixed Wednesday as reports of dismal company earnings add to pessimism over the widespread economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index lost 1.2% to 22,397.11 after Fitch Ratings…
Asian shares advance after Wall St rally; gold extends gains
MITO, Japan
Shares advanced in Asia on Tuesday after U.S. stocks resumed their upward march on Wall Street, while the price of gold pushed to nearly $1,970 per ounce.
Benchmarks climbed in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai after the S&P…
Shares mixed in Asia as China-US tensions cast shadow
MITO, Japan
Shares were mixed in Asia on Thursday, as flaring tensions between the U.S. and China added to uncertainties overhanging regional markets.
Benchmarks rose in Hong Kong and Sydney but fell in Shanghai, Seoul and Taiwan. Asia’s…
World shares turn lower as virus caseloads surge
MITO, Japan
World shares were mostly lower on Wednesday on renewed worries over surging coronavirus caseloads in many countries.
U.S. futures also edged lower, though President Donald Trump’s statement that the pandemic will likely get…
Asian shares fall as investors eye EU meeting on pandemic
TOKYO
Asian shares were mostly lower Monday as investors cautiously eyed the summit of European leaders discussing the pandemic crisis and coronavirus cases continued to soar in the U.S.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 lost 0.4% in early…
UAE’s Mars orbiter launch from Japan delayed by weather
TOKYO
The liftoff of the United Arab Emirates’ Mars orbiter was postponed until Friday due to bad weather at the Japanese launch site.
The orbiter named Amal, or Hope, is the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission. The launch was…
Asian shares mixed as pandemic saps buying momentum
TOKYO
Shares were mixed in Asia on Wednesday as uncertainty over the pandemic sapped the buying enthusiasm that has been driving prices higher.
The selling followed a deeper pullback on Wall Street and in France, Germany and elsewhere…
North Korea rejects talks as US envoy arrives in Seoul
SEOUL, South Korea
North Korea on Tuesday said it has no immediate intent to resume a dialogue with the United States as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun arrived in South Korea for discussions on stalled nuclear diplomacy.
In…
Asia markets slip as virus outbreaks mute hopes for rebound
TOKYO
Markets were mostly lower in Asia on Tuesday as expanding coronavirus outbreaks dimmed hopes for a global recovery, despite an overnight rally in tech shares that pushed the Nasdaq composite to another record high.
Japan’s benchmark…
Tokyo governor wins 2nd term, buoyed by handling of virus
TOKYO
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike has won a second term to head the Japanese capital, buoyed to Sunday’s election victory by public support for her coronavirus handling despite a recent rise in infections that has raised concerns of a…
Heavy rain floods southern Japan; 2 dead, dozen missing
TOKYO
Heavy rain in southern Japan triggered flooding and mudslides on Saturday, leaving at least two dead, more than a dozen missing and others stranded on rooftops waiting to be rescued, officials said.
More than 75,000 residents in the…
Global shares up after Wall St’s best quarter since 1998
TOKYO
Global shares were mostly higher Wednesday after Wall Street capped its best quarter since 1998, shrugging off continued signs of damage from the coronavirus pandemic.
France’s CAC 40 fell 0.2% in early trading to 4,925.53, while…
Companies prodded to rely less on China, but few respond
BEIJING
The United States, Japan and France are prodding their companies to rely less on China to make the world’s smartphones, drugs and other products. But even after the coronavirus derailed trade, few want to leave China’s skilled…
Pandemic delays Yahoo Japan, Line merger past October
TOKYO
Online services Yahoo Japan and Line Corp. said Tuesday the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic is causing delays that will push back their merger to later than the scheduled October date.
Z Holdings Corp., which operates Yahoo…
Japan to boost space cooperation with US in revised policy
TOKYO
Japan said Monday it will step up its defense capability in space and improve its ability to detect and track missiles, while cooperating with the United States in response to what it called a growing threat from North Korea and…
Japanese island marks 75 years since Battle of Okinawa
TOKYO
Residents on Okinawa prayed for peace and remembered lost loved ones Tuesday on the 75th anniversary of the end of one of WWII’s deadliest conflicts, the Battle of Okinawa.
At the ceremony held on the southern Japanese island to…
Asian shares advance, tracking Wall Street tech rally
TOKYO
Asian shares were mostly higher on Tuesday, recovering from some early losses as regional markets tracked a late rally on Wall Street led by technology shares.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 surged 0.8% to 22,621.84. Hong Kong’s Hang…
Vietnam in talks to ease entry for visitors from China, South Korea, Japan
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam is holding talks aimed at easing the entry of citizens from China, South Korea and Japan into the country after restrictions on foreign visitors amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on…
Money-losing Mitsubishi says executives will take pay cuts
TOKYO
Mitsubishi Motors told its shareholders Thursday that its top executives are taking pay cuts to share responsibility for the Japanese automaker’s financial losses.
“I hope we can gain your understanding,” Chief Executive Takao Kato…
Japan’s exports, imports sank in May amid pandemic fallou
TOKYO
Japan’s exports sank 28% in May, while imports dropped 26% as the coronavirus pandemic slammed global trade.
The provisional Ministry of Finance data, released Wednesday, showed May was the second straight month Japan recorded a…
Stocks edge higher on Wall Street following 3 days of gains
Stocks are slightly higher in early trading on Wall Street as a three-day rally loses momentum. The S&P 500 rose less than 0.1% in the first few minutes of trading Wednesday, led once again by technology companies. The recent strong…
Asian shares fall on fears virus outbreaks are rebounding
TOKYO
Shares were mostly lower in Asia on Monday on concern over a resurgence of coronavirus cases and pessimism after Wall Street posted its worst week in nearly three months.
Benchmarks in Tokyo, Sydney and Shanghai fell after China…
Asian shares slide after Wall Street retreat
TOKYO
Asian shares were mostly lower Thursday, with Tokyo dropping more than 1% as the Japanese yen gained after the Federal Reserve said it would keep interest rates low through 2022.
Asian markets had been expected to fall after the Fed…
Japanese carmaker Honda hit by cyberattack
LONDON
Japanese carmaker Honda said Tuesday that it has been hit by a cyberattack that disrupted its business, though it expects the overall impact to be contained.
The company said in a statement that it could “confirm that a cyber…
Asian shares mixed after Nasdaq record as Wall St rallies on
TOKYO
Shares were mixed in Asia on Tuesday after the Nasdaq composite touched a fresh record as enthusiasm about reopening the economy pushed Wall Street still higher.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 lost 0.5% to 23,064.75 and South Korea’s…
Personal mobility machine needs no help at Tokyo airport
TOKYO
An autonomous mobility system that works like a wheelchair without anyone pushing it is scuttling around a Tokyo airport to help with social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The personal mobility machine seats one person…
Japan says economy contracted less than earlier reported
TOKYO
Japan reported Monday that its economy contracted at an annual rate of 2.2% in January-March, less than initially estimated.
The update from the Cabinet Office was an improvement on the 3.4% contraction earlier reported. It said…
Japan advocate for daughter, others abducted to NKorea dies
TOKYO
Shigeru Yokota, a Japanese campaigner for the return of his daughter and more than a dozen others who were abducted to North Korea in the 1970s, has died. He was 87.
His family said Yokota died of natural causes in a hospital in…
Japan’s pandemic deaths low, but future success uncertain
TOKYO
Japan has kept its deaths from the new coronavirus low despite a series of missteps that beg the question of whether it can prevent future waves of infections.
Authorities were criticized for bungling a cruise ship quarantine and…
Asian shares rise as Wall Street gains for 3rd straight day
TOKYO
Asian shares rose Wednesday after Wall Street extended its gains for a third straight day, driven by optimism over economies reopening from shutdowns to stem the coronavirus pandemic.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 1.3% to…
Japan’s All Nippon Airways starts medical kit production to prevent COVID-19 spread
Tokyo
Amid the coronavirus crisis, world aviation companies are suffering due to lack of passengers and flights. But even in this scenario, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has decided to provide its support by producing medical treatment gowns…
Asian shares up as recovery hopes overshadow virus worries
TOKYO
Shares rose in Asia on Tuesday as some regions in Japan resumed close-to-normal business activity, with hopes for economic recovery overshadowing worries over the coronavirus pandemic.
The market focus is shifting to how various…
Bank of Japan helps fund small businesses fighting pandemic
TOKYO
Japan’s central bank said Friday it will provide some 30 trillion yen ($280 billion) to banks for financing small and medium-size businesses battling economic hardships brought on by the coronavrius pandemic.
The Bank of Japan will…
Recession-hit Japan’s exports, imports fall due to pandemic
TOKYO
Recession-hit Japan’s exports plunged nearly 22% in April, the country’s worst drop in more than a decade as the coronavirus pandemic slammed global demand.
The Finance Ministry also said Thursday that imports fell 7%.
The…
Asian stocks up on hopes for vaccine and economies reopening
TOKYO
Asian shares rose Tuesday on optimism about a potential vaccine for the coronavirus after hopes for a U.S. economic recovery in the second half of the year sent Wall Street into a rebound.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 added 1.5% to…
European airlines hope to resume flights but outlook is dim
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
European airlines are planning for a return to the skies this summer after being grounded almost completely for weeks over the coronavirus pandemic.
The outlook, however, remains uncertain, with companies forecasting a…
Asian shares fall as hopes fade for quick economic rebound
Asian shares declined Thursday on pessimism about life getting back to normal soon amid the coronavirus pandemic, even as Japan prepared to let businesses reopen in some regions.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped nearly 0.8% in morning trading to…
Japan may ease emergency,South Korea sees more cases
BANGKOK
Japan’s government is holding a coronavirus task force meeting Thursday to get experts’ approval on a plan to lift a state of emergency in most areas except Tokyo and other high-risk areas ahead of schedule.
Prime Minister Shinzo…
Japan sees 20% fall in number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in 9 days
TOKYO
Japan saw a 20% fall in the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in nine days to May 7, the health ministry said on Tuesday.
Japan had 4,449 COVID-19 patients in hospitals as of May 7, down from 5,558 on April 28, the ministry…
Toyota expects annual operating profit to drop 80% as virus saps car sales
TOKYO
Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) said on Tuesday it expects to post its lowest annual operating profit in nine years as the automaker grapples with the impact of the novel coronavirus, which has sapped global demand for cars.
Japan’s…
In Japan, pandemic brings outbreaks of bullying, ostracism
TOKYO
The coronavirus in Japan has brought not just an epidemic of infections, but also an onslaught of bullying and discrimination against the sick, their families and health workers.
A government campaign to raise awareness seems to be…
Indo-Pacific partnership will be more important in coming days: EAM after conversation with Japanese…
New Delhi
After holding a conversation with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that Indo-Pacific partnership of both the countries will be even more important in coming days.…
Asian shares mixed after Wall St dips on pandemic worries
TOKYO
Asian shares were mixed Thursday after a decline on Wall Street after more depressing data rolled in on the devastation sweeping the global economy.
Comments by President Donald Trump on trade with China and casting blame on Beijing…
Shinzo Abe to extend state of emergency in Japan by May 31
Tokyo
Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has planned to extend the state of emergency in the country by a month through May 31 amid fears of the rapid spread of coronavirus.
Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, economic…
Asian shares rise on hopes for drug to treat coronavirus
TOKYO
Asian shares advanced on Thursday, riding a wave of optimism about a possible treatment for the coronavirus that set off a rally on Wall Street powerful enough to override data showing the U.S. economy had logged its worst quarterly…
Many Japanese defy appeals to stay home to curb virus
TOKYO
Under Japan’s coronavirus state of emergency, people have been asked to stay home. Many are not. Some still have to commute to their jobs despite risks of infection, while others continue to dine out, picnic in parks and crowd into…
Japan conferring 2020 Spring Imperial Decorations on NC leader Poudel
Kathmandu
The government of Japan is going to decorate senior leader of the Nepali Congress, Ram Chandra Poudel, with the ‘Grand Cordon of the order of the Rising Sun’. The Japanese government on Wednesday took the decision in this regard.…
As lockdowns ease, health officials urge virus vigilance
BANGKOK
As governments move forward with plans to ease coronavirus restrictions, health officials around the globe are calling on the public to remain vigilant so that hard-won victories in the battle against the pandemic are not lost.…
New Zealand tames virus; France, Spain reveal lockdown exits
PARIS
France and Spain, two of the worst-hit countries in the coronavirus pandemic, were laying out separate roadmaps Tuesday for lifting their lockdowns, while signs emerged that the virus has been all but vanquished in New Zealand and…
Global markets gain as more economies prepare to reopen
BEIJING
Global stock prices gained Monday after Japan’s central bank boosted support for financial markets as more governments prepared to reopen economies that were shut down to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Tokyo’s benchmark surged…
Japan central bank eases monetary policy to boost economy
TOKYO
Japan’s central bank is making it easier for cash-strapped companies to get funding and expanding collateral for debt in response to the growing economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Bank of Japan decided at a meeting…
‘COVID-19 did not change much in Japan’s daily life’
It is a part of the Japanese culture to wear masks and maintain “utmost” cleanliness during the routine life, so COVID-19 pandemic did not change much in the country.
“The only issue is there is no aggressive testing of people to determine…
Hope dashed: Asian shares fall after Wall Street loses rally
TOKYO
Asian shares are lower Friday after an early rally on Wall Street suddenly vanished, the latest example of how fragile the hopes underpinning the stock market’s monthlong recovery are.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 0.8% in…
Japan PM asks citizens to be more diligent
TOKYO
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed concerns Tuesday that Japanese people haven’t followed social distancing measures as much as they’re supposed to under a state of emergency he declared two weeks ago to fight the spread of the…
Tokyo’s homeless seek Olympic Athletes Village as shelter
TOKYO
A group representing the homeless is asking to use the Athletes Village for next year’s Tokyo Olympics as a shelter during the coronavirus pandemic.
An online petition addressed to Tokyo Olympic organizers and the city government…
Japan PM issues state of emergency for nation
TOKYO
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced a state of emergency for all of Japan.
Abe says the measure takes effect Friday and lasts until May 6, the end of Japan’s “golden week” holidays.
He says the nationwide state of…
Fading Vision Fund to tip SoftBank into first loss in 15 years
TOKYO
SoftBank expects its $100 billion Vision Fund to book a loss of 1.8 trillion yen ($16.5 billion) due to the worsening performance of its tech bets, which will tip the group as a whole into its first loss for 15 years.
A third…
Japan’s leader slammed over ‘stay home’ shutdown tweet
TOKYO
Perhaps the best that can be said about a “stay home” Twitter posted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is that it’s given bored copycats sitting at home waiting out the coronavirus ample inspiration.
It certainly appears to have…
COVID-19: Abe declares state of emergency in Japan
Tokyo
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday declared a month-long state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka, and five other prefectures in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The local media reported that Japan has so far recorded…
Japan to roll out $1 trillion emergency package as Abe announces state of emergency
Tokyo
Japan has committed to roll out an emergency economic package worth 108 trillion yen or $1 trillion to protect its economy from the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
The scale of the package is equivalent to 20 per cent of the…
US weighs ‘war bonds’; Facebook launches virus survey
The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments Monday related to the global economy, the work place and the spread of the virus.
CENTRAL BANKS AND GOVERNMENT:…
Japan’s PM to declare state of emergency as early as Tuesday
TOKYO
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that he will declare a state of emergency for Tokyo and six other prefectures as early as Tuesday to bolster measures to fight the coronavirus, but that there will be no hard lockdowns.
Abe…
Shares rebound on signs of progress in battling virus
BANGKOK
World shares rose Monday as investors gleaned hope from signs that the battle against the coronavirus pandemic may be making some progress in some hard-hit areas.
Benchmarks were up about 3% in Paris and Frankfurt and Tokyo jumped…
Japan to declare state of emergency as COVID-19 cases surge
Tokyo
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is planning to declare a state of emergency in view of the surging cases of coronavirus in the country, especially in Tokyo and other large cities, government sources said on Monday.
Pressure had been…
G20 coronavirus plan focuses on poorer countries’ debt problems
The Group of 20 major economies said on Tuesday that they would present a coronavirus action plan in two weeks to address the debt vulnerabilities of the poorest countries and deliver financial aid to emerging economies.
G20 finance…
Popular Japanese comedian dies from the coronavirus
TOKYO
Popular Japanese comedian Ken Shimura, who drew inspiration from the American comedic icon Jerry Lewis, has died from the coronavirus, becoming Japan’s first known celebrity victim of the disease. He was 70.
Shimura, who attracted…
Asian shares jump after Dow sees biggest gain since 1933
Shares opened sharply higher in Asia on Wednesday after the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to its best day since 1933 with Congress and the White House nearing a deal on injecting nearly $2 trillion of aid into an economy ravaged by…
PHOTOS: Oh, deer! Treasured animals wander Nara streets
NARA, Japan
Tours are canceled. Restaurants are empty. And centuries-old temples are quieter than usual in the ancient capital city of Japan, hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
All of Nara is suffering with its UNESCO World Heritage…
North Korea test fires missiles; Seoul slams it as inappropriate
SEOUL, South Korea
North Korea on Saturday fired two presumed short-range ballistic missiles into the sea, South Korea’s military said, as it continues to expand military capabilities amid deadlocked nuclear negotiations with the Trump…
Asian shares plunge after Wall Street’s worst day since ’87
NEW YORK
Shares have plunged in Asia, with Japan’s benchmark sinking 10% after Wall Street suffered its biggest drop since the Black Monday crash of 1987.
Markets worldwide have retreated as fears of economic fallout from the coronavirus…
In Malaysia’s Silicon Valley, fortunes flip as virus wrecks trade war gains
PENANG, Malaysia
Tech firms at Malaysia’s one-time Silicon Valley of the East, swimming in orders from customers fleeing trade war-hit China, have seen fortunes turn again in the space of just a year as the coronavirus outbreak cuts them…
Japan to unveil coronavirus package, not yet eyeing extra budget
TOKYO
Japan will unveil on Tuesday a second package of measures to offset the impact of a coronavirus outbreak, focusing on support for small businesses, Finance Minister Taro Aso said, as concerns mount about risks to the fragile economy.…
North Korea fires weapons after threatening ‘momentous’ action
SEOUL, South Korea
North Korea fired three short-range projectiles off its east coast on Monday, South Korea’s military said, two days after the North threatened to take “momentous” action to protest outside condemnation over its earlier…
Japan says China leader Xi’s visit still on despite coronavirus
TOKYO
Japan said on Thursday that preparations for a rare state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping planned for April were going ahead, even as it called for sports and cultural events to be scaled down to contain the spread of the new…
Japan’s ANA orders 20 more Boeing 787 Dreamliners
TOKYO
Japanese carrier ANA is ordering 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets, bringing its fleet of the planes to 103 by 2025.
The latest order will consist of 11 787-10 aircraft, set to go into service for Japan routes sometime between 2022 and…
South Korean cases jump, China counts 150 more virus deaths
SEOUL, South Korea
South Korea reported another large jump in new virus cases Monday a day after the president called for “unprecedented, powerful” steps to combat the outbreak that is increasingly confounding attempts to stop the spread.…
New virus has infected more than 75,000 people globally
A viral outbreak that began in China has infectedmore than 75,000 people globally. The World Health Organization has named the illness COVID-19, referring to its origin late last year and the coronavirus that causes it.
The latest figures…
Asian shares mostly rise while virus fears continue
TOKYO
Asian shares mostly rose Wednesday, despite overnight losses on Wall Street and continuing fears about an outbreak of a new virus that began in China.
The Nikkei 225 rose 1.0% in afternoon trading to 23,415.30.Australia’s…
Japan cancels emperor’s birthday event over coronavirus
The fear of deadly coronavirus prompted Japanese imperial house to cancel event to celebrate monarch’s birthday, local media reported on Monday.
Japan’s Imperial Household Agency confirmed it canceled the birthday event for Emperor…
New virus has infected more than 71,000 people globally
A viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 71,000 people globally. The World Health Organization has named the illness COVID-19, referring to its origin late last year and the coronavirus that causes it.
The latest figures…
Asian markets mixed: Japan skids; China helped by rate cut
BANGKOK
Markets were mixed in Asia on Monday, with Japan’s benchmark slipping 0.7% after the government reported the economy contracted 6.3% in annual terms in the last quarter. China’s shares got a boost after the central bank stepped in…
Americans who left cruise trade one quarantine for another
TOKYO
Americans Cheryl and Paul Molesky decided to trade one coronavirus quarantine for another.
The couple from Syracuse, New York, cut short a 14-day quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in the port of Yokohama, near Tokyo, to…
New virus has infected more than 69,000 people globally
A viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 69,000 people globally. The World Health Organization has named the illness COVID-19, referring to its origin late last year and the coronavirus that causes it.
The latest figures…
New virus has infected more than 69,000 people globally
A viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 69,000 people globally. The World Health Organization has named the illness COVID-19, referring to its origin late last year and the coronavirus that causes it.
The latest figures…
New virus has infected more than 64,000 people globally
A viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 64,000 people globally. The World Health Organization has named the illness COVID-19, referring to its origin late last year and the coronavirus that causes it.
The latest figures…
Cruise stranded by virus fears ends with roses in Cambodia
SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia
Hundreds of cruise ship passengers long stranded at sea by virus fears cheered as they finally disembarked Friday and were welcomed to Cambodia by the nation’s authoritarian leader who handed them flowers.
Prime…
Virus death toll nears 1,400 in China, with 5,090 new cases
BEIJING
China on Friday reported another sharp rise in the number of people infected with a new virus, as the death toll neared 1,400.
The National Health Commission said 121 more people had died and there were 5,090 new confirmed cases.…
New virus has infected more than 45,100 people globally
A viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 45,100 people globally. The World Health Organization has named the illness COVID-19, referring to its origin late last year and the coronavirus that causes it.
The latest figures…
Global shares rise despite continuing virus fears
TOKYO
Global shares were higher Wednesday, although the outbreak of a new virus, mostly in China, continued to weigh on investor sentiments.
France’s CAC 40 added 0.1% in early trading to 6,063.26. Germany’s DAX was up 0.3% at 13,667.35.…
China’s new virus cases fall again, deaths now exceed 1,100
BEIJING
China on Wednesday reported another drop in the number of new cases of a viral infection and 97 more deaths, pushing the total dead past 1,100 as postal services worldwide said delivery was being affected by the cancellation of…
New virus has infected more than 43,000 people globally
A viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 43,000 people globally.
The latest figures reported by global health authorities as of Tuesday in Beijing:
China: 1,016 deaths among 42,638 confirmed cases on the mainland. In…
China virus cases rise again, 66 more on ship in Japan
BEIJING
China reported a rise in new virus cases Monday, denting optimism that disease control measures including isolating major cities might be working, while the operator of a cruise ship in Japan reported dozens of new cases.
Britain…
Mainland China virus cases rise again, 60 more on ship
BEIJING
China reported a rise in new virus cases on Monday, possibly denting optimism disease control measures that have isolated major cities might be working, while Japan reported dozens of new cases aboard a quarantined cruise ship.…
Corona Virus cases on Cruise liner off the coast of Japan rise up to 61
The cruise ship, Diamond Princess, and the roughly 3,700 people aboard have been under two-week quarantine since arriving back at the port of Yokohama, just south of Tokyo, on Monday after a man who disembarked in Hong Kong was diagnosed…
Asian shares up on China efforts despite virus worries
TOKYO
Asian shares rose Wednesday on optimism that China’s latest actions may help curtail some of the expected economic damage from the virus outbreak.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 1.1% to 23,342.60 in afternoon trading.…
China deaths rise to 490, Japan confirms 10 cases on ship
BEIJING
Deaths from a new virus rose to 490 in mainland China on Wednesday while new cases on a Japanese cruise ship, in Hong Kong and in other places showed the increasing spread of the outbreak and renewed attention toward containing it.…
Sony raises forecast despite lagging video-game business
TOKYO
Fiscal third-quarter profit at Japanese electronics and entertainment company Sony Corp. dipped to about half of what it was the previous year as its video game, networking and film businesses stumbled.
Tokyo-based Sony, which makes…
Japan sends destroyer to Middle East amid Iran-US tensions
TOKYO
In a rare move, Japan on Sunday sent a naval destroyer to the Middle East to ensure the safety of its ships amid on going tensions between Iran and the US.
The vessel left the Yokosuka naval base, south of Tokyo, for an information…
Toyota’s 2019 global vehicle sales trail Volkswagen’s
TOKYO
German automaker Volkswagen has kept its lead as the world’s largest automaker after Japanese rival Toyota announced it sold fewer vehicles last year.
Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it sold 10.74 million vehicles around the world…
Asian stocks tumble as China virus worries deepen
TOKYO
Asian shares skidded again Tuesday on deepening worries over the expanding outbreak of a new virus in China.
Markets in Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China were closed Tuesday for Lunar New Year holidays, while South Korea’s…
Asian stocks tumble on growing concern about China virus
BEIJING
Asian stock markets tumbled Tuesday as concern about the economic impact of a Chinese disease outbreak rose. Japan’s central bank left its key interest rate unchanged and revised up its economic growth outlook.
Market indexes in…
Cyberattack targets Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric
Tokyo
Japanese electronics giant Mitsubishi Electric on Monday revealed that it was targeted by a “massive cyberattack” during which government data might have been compromised, local media reported.
In a statement, Mitsubishi Electric…
Asian shares rise after US stocks set records as fears fade
TOKYO
Asian shares rose Friday as worries receded the United States and Iran might be stepping closer to the edge of war, and U.S. indexes hit records.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 edged up 0.2% in morning trading to 23,776.09.…
Ghosn fled Japan after security firm hired by Nissan stopped surveillance
TOKYO:
Ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn left his Tokyo residence after a private security firm hired by Nissan Motor Co stopped monitoring him, three sources familiar with the matter told on Saturday.
Ghosn has become an international…
Japan’s emperor waves to crowds in 1st New Year’s greeting
TOKYO: Japan’s Emperor Naruhito waved to cheering, flag-waving crowds from a palace balcony Thursday in his first New Year’s greeting since ascending to the throne.
Naruhito and his wife Masako were joined by his parents, the former…
meet as North Korean threat looms
CHENGDU, China
Leaders from China, Japan and South Korea were meeting Tuesday against the backdrop of renewed threats from North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
The trilateral meeting in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu…
Iran’s Rouhani to visit Japan in hope of easing nuke impasse
TOKYO
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is visiting Tokyo to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, in hopes of easing a nuclear impasse between Tehran and Washington and reduce tensions in the Middle East.
The visit is…