Heavy rains lash Tokyo and surrounding prefectures
The Japan Meteorological Agency is urging people to be on high alert for landslides, rising river levels and floods in some low-lying areas.
China piles pressure on Taiwan with new patrols off Pacific coast
For decades, China’s maritime pressure on Taiwan centered on the major shipping strait separating the two neighbors. Now, Beijing is piling unprecedented pressure on its Pacific coast — a vital lifeline with U.S.
Ben Shelton beats Stefanos Tsitsipas to set up U.S. Open showdown with Carlos Alcaraz
Shelton next faces Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal round.
Carlos Alcaraz can see path to title after reaching U.S. Open quarterfinals
Alcaraz downplayed expectations in the early rounds, with the tournament in New York marking his first competitive test since a wrist injury sidelined him for nearly five months.
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s final memoir lays bare a maestro’s final questions
The late composer's memoir, translated into English by Sam Bett, details his early life, fascination with music, career highlights and musings on time and life.
Japan likely sold Treasurys to fund record yen intervention
Tokyo's holdings of foreign securities fell by $87.8 billion at the end of August from a month earlier, close to the scale of the recent intervention.
Shohei Ohtani unlikely to pitch again for Dodgers this season
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters prior to the game that Ohtani has made enough progress in his recovery that he could return to action as early as Monday.
Fishermen detained, boats destroyed but no charges under U.S. ops in Equador
Joint U.S.-Ecuador counternarcotics operations in the Pacific have seen the destruction of four Ecuadoran vessels since Aug. 28.
Kimi Antonelli burnishes F1 title credentials with victory at Italian Grand Prix
The drivers' standings leader started 19th on the grid because of an engine penalty, then defied conventional wisdom in a Formula 1 race by making pass after pass.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un says new destroyer part of nuclear response system
North Korea has accelerated efforts to modernize its navy as Kim Jong Un pursues a broader expansion of the country's nuclear-capable forces.
Tamaki wins third term as head of Japan opposition DPP
Tamaki said he aims to boost the presence of the DPP, regarding his new term as a "period for making preparations to seize power."
Kura Sushi cancels Chiikawa collaboration over prize embezzlement
After Chiikawa items from the chain's "Bikkura Pon" game were found listed online, a probe confirmed an employee had fraudulently taken the prizes.
Japan considers moving up part of income-linked benefits payment schedule in 2029
Moving up part of the payments is intended to mitigate the financial burden on households after the consumption tax rate for food is brought back to the original 8% rate in 2029.
At least 5 killed in Amazon Prime Air cargo plane crash in Miami
Prime Air Flight 7598 — a 32-year-old Boeing 767-300 freighter — overran Miami International Airport's diagonal runway and struck multiple vehicles on the ground.
Goldman-backed taxi app Go says ridership strong even after fare hikes
Go President Hiroshi Nakajima said riders have absorbed higher prices and demand hasn't fallen as Taxi users are generally less price-sensitive.
Beyond the scale: Men turn to cosmetic clinics to complete weight-loss transformation
As top-selling weight-loss drugs help more U.S. men slim down, a growing number are seeking cosmetic treatments for sagging skin, hair loss and dental issues to complete their physical transformation, patients and…
Sanctioned ICC head Akane calls court the last bastion of rule of law
The U.S. government imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and an ICC senior trial lawyer last month.
SoftBank’s ¥1 trillion retail bond rejuvenates Japan debt market
The offering comes as Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond yield topped 3% for the first time in about 30 years.
EU to give Greenland a cash boost amid Trump annexation drive
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting Greenland in a show of support for the territory, which has rebuffed Trump's campaign to annex it.
Netanyahu orders evacuation of some West Bank settler outposts, minister says
While all Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, Israel considers some established without government approval to be illegal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta thinks club can surpass level of title-winning squad
Arsenal and Manchester City are now the only two teams with a 100% record in the Premier League.
Nepal’s request for flood payout tests new climate-aid system
Costs are expected to come to at least $5 billion, an enormous amount for one of Asia's poorest countries, and the fund it's hoping to tap is new, underfunded and untested.
Iran’s Hormuz leverage wanes as U.S. economic squeeze bites
After years of surviving sanctions, Tehran is now confronting one of the harshest squeezes in the Islamic Republic's history.
Far-right AfD wins historic victory in German state election
The agenda of the AfD, Germany's most popular party, includes heavy restrictions on immigration, restoring ties with Russia, cutting support to Ukraine and quitting the euro.
Nepali woman found alive days after family began mourning rites
She had survived under the rubble of her four-story home in a narrow pocket of air amid water and mud.
Stay far from battlefield, Japanese director warns at Venice
Shinya Tsukamoto's new film follows a Vietnam veteran whose life was haunted by the violence he witnessed and took part in.
Court halts Trump’s new birthright citizenship curbs
The fresh setback to U.S. President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration agenda puts the fight over birthright citizenship on a path to return to the Supreme Court.
Carlos Alcaraz overcomes slow start to reach third round at U.S. Open
Spain's Alcaraz, seeded second in his first tournament since a wrist injury forced him to the sidelines in April.
Yen rallies after Bessent’s Abenomics comment
Japan's currency is back below ¥158 to the dollar for the first time since early August.
Fibromyalgia patient calls for greater awareness, understanding of disease
The often-misunderstood disease is characterized by severe pain throughout the body.
Older drivers with traffic violations face tougher test when renewing license
The National Police Agency plans to introduce a stricter test in fiscal 2027 to assess drivers' ability more comprehensively.
Kirk Cousins to begin season as Raiders’ starting quarterback
Cousins beats out 2026 No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza for the starting job.
Lack of dollar hedging among U.S. asset holders risks fueling sell-off
Because U.S. assets make up a large share of global portfolios, increased hedging effectively means more dollar selling.
Tech pilgrims flock to China as global innovation race heats up
Investors and entrepreneurs are paying thousands of dollars for rare access to Chinese factories, seeking a front-row seat to what could be the next technological revolution.
Natixis boosts Japan equity allocation, anticipating continued growth
The asset manager, which oversees about $1.5 trillion globally, changed its weighting a day before Japan's 10-year government bond yield touched a century high of 3%.
Chevron CEO says patience pays off in Venezuela oil deal
For two decades, Chevron stayed while all its major peers quit after former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez nationalized foreign assets atop the world's largest oil reserves.
Venezuela’s Maduro asserts immunity, urges U.S. judge to dismiss charges
The Venezuelan leader has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges and is scheduled to go on trial on June 1, 2027, if his effort to dismiss the case is unsuccessful.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito’s funeral rite could be downsized, per his request
While the 92-year-old emperor emeritus does not have major health issues, he has expressed his desire to have the impact of his funeral on people's lives be as small as possible.
Tiger Woods loses driver’s license for five years but avoids jail time in plea deal
The 15-time major champion, who initially pleaded not guilty, entered a no-contest motion on all charges.
Caitlin Clark embraces global spotlight ahead of World Cup debut
The 24-year-old has become one of the most recognizable athletes in the U.S., attracting millions of followers on social media and helping drive interest in the women's game.
Bain and Lone Star plan second-round bids to take Nikkon private
Nikkon Holdings, a Japanese logistics group specializing in the automotive supply chain, will hold a second round of bidding in the first half of September to be taken private, with investors Bain Capital and Lone Star…
Japanese companies consider asset sales as yen debt costs rise
Among measures under deliberation are sales of strategic shareholdings and other assets to offset the impact, borrowing more overseas and bringing forward funding plans.
Takaichi’s Cabinet reshuffle: What to watch for
The reshuffle will impact the prime minister's management of party dynamics, the future of the ruling coalition and her prospects for remaining in power.
Rare train of Pacific cyclones fueled by historic El Nino
Hurricane Lowell and Hurricane Karina are Category 4 storms that are both expected to pass Hawaii from a distance, according to the National Hurricane Center.
AI boom is testing tech firms’ climate pledges
Emissions from four major AI and cloud computing providers skyrocketed by up to 239% between 2020 and 2024, a report has found.
Berkshire CEO Greg Abel vows long-term support for Japan trading houses
Berkshire Hathaway has increased its stake in Mitsubishi, Mitsui & Co., Itochu, Sumitomo and Marubeni to more than 10% in recent years.
Trump meets with travel industry CEOs on push to boost foreign tourism
International arrivals to the U.S. have declined, with travel officials citing a number of factors that include lengthy visa interview wait times and higher airline ticket prices.
What’s wrong with FIFA ? Look beyond Infantino
Infantino's failed stake‑sale plan exposes FIFA's deeper structural flaws, showing that only reform can prevent future leaders from repeating the same autocratic patterns.
NBA hits Clippers and Steve Ballmer with historic punishments in cap circumvention case
The NBA's investigation, conducted independently over the course of a year, "found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization."
Taiwan needs a new deterrence strategy
Emboldened by U.S. President Donald Trump's war in Iran, Chinese leaders have ramped up their gray-zone coercion against Taiwan in recent months.
Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots were never just dots
Yayoi Kusama, who died at 97 last month, turned hallucinations and a fear of self-obliteration into a global visual language.
Manga artist Kurumada says ex-manager, others embezzled ¥4.6 billion
Masami Kurumada is best known as the creator of the popular manga series "Ring ni Kakero" and "Saint Seiya."
For foreign nationals in Japan, are rent hike notices take it or leave it?
Some accept the inevitability of having to pay higher rents due to inflation. Others find the extra financial burden frustrating amid stagnant wages.
In war-split Myanmar, ‘spirit consorts’ commune across divide
At the annual Taungbyone Festival, the dazzling mediums drank, danced and swooned as they communed with the 111 divine ghosts of ancient Burmese folk religion
Colin Kaepernick calls out ‘disingenuous’ NFL 10 years after taking knee in protest
In a rare interview, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback said the NFL's statements condemning racial injustice after the 2020 death of George Floyd had been "laughable."
Scientists make potential breakthrough in search for dark matter
Researchers in South Dakota observed hints of it during a deep-underground experiment but stopped short of saying they finally detected this elusive cosmic component.
The Japanese idealist behind the only foreign deradicalization program in Somalia
With Washington and other donors reducing much of their aid to Somalia, Yosuke Nagai's agency has effectively become the only foreign-run one still working on deradicalization.
Driven by faith, activists stand up to fellow Jews to protect Palestinians
A small movement of Israelis, many of them religious Jews, periodically go to the occupied West Bank to protect Palestinians under growing assault by violent settlers.
Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina cruise into second round at U.S. Open
World No. 2 Rybakina and No.
BOJ’s Ueda hints at September rate hike as bets on move mount
Expectations have also been fueled by a slew of comments by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinting at the need for action.
Bank of America vice president killed in Manhattan stabbing
Erin Piacenti — who was a vice president of business selection and conflicts at the bank, according to a LinkedIn profile — died at the hospital from the stabbing injuries.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke reaches deal to acquire MLB’s Angels
Kroenke already owns the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, MLS club Colorado Rapids, and Arsenal of the Premier League.
Xi returns to transformed Middle East for first Egypt visit in 10 years
The Chinese leader is coming back to a region convulsed by war and with U.S. economic weapons once again deployed against Tehran.
Reviled in the U.S., data centers win support in Brazil’s presidential election
Both Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and rival Flavio Bolsonaro are making data centers central to their pitches to bolster Latin America's largest economy.
Fish-fruit pairings catching on as novel way to spur demand
With fish consumption declining, particularly among younger people, one fish market official hopes pairing fish with fruit will give dishes a "sense of novelty and visual flair."
Shelter for families with children opens after Kumamoto earthquake
The specialized evacuation shelter, which also caters to the needs of pregnant women, is the only one of its kind in Kumamoto.
Over 900 Nepal students saved by call warning of flood and quick thinking
School's successful evacuation offers a rare glimmer of hope in a natural disaster that has killed over 900 people with thousands still missing.
Matchmaking events for people with same surname emerge in Japan
Some are trying to circumvent Japan's surname rule for married couples by finding someone who already has the same last name.
G20 finance chiefs — except China — back action on distorted trade
China's massive export push has pressured economies across the globe, especially as the U.S. has imposed high tariffs on Chinese goods.
Healthy Victor Oladipo asks NBA teams for another chance
The 34-year-old guard penned an open letter to the league's general managers in The Players' Tribune on Tuesday, asking for an opportunity.
Yamaguchi Financial to dump more Japan bonds on faster BOJ hikes
Banks and other investors are grappling with soaring bond yields as the central bank seeks to combat inflation in an economy that had previously seen prices sink for years.
Kiki returns for a charming second act
Beloved witch Kiki is part of a series of books by Eiko Kadono. The second title in the series is out in English translation.
The Soviet defection that exposed Japan’s security conundrum
A Soviet pilot's landing of a MiG-25 at Hakodate Airport was an 'intelligence bonanza' that also revealed gaps in Japan's defenses.
Takaichi’s $640 billion AI gamble faces reality check in a struggling city
In Kitakami, a sleepy city deep in the countryside 500 kilometers north of Tokyo, Japan's AI revolution is unfolding more as a slow burn than a boom.
Russian cybercrime operation being dismantled after two decades: U.S. and CrowdStrike
Though it has been overshadowed by more disruptive cybercriminals, the Russian hacking operation remains one of the internet's longest-running cybercriminal enterprises.
Manchester City adds Enzo Fernandez to complete summer spending spree
The 25-year-old becomes the first player to be sold for more than £100 million twice in his career and will also be reunited with City coach Enzo Maresca.
When AI does the thinking, what could possibly go wrong?
Bill Gates' message is simple: "Even under the best circumstances, the transition to this new AI era will be one of the most turbulent times in human history."
Burnham says water central to U.K. plan for public control
Thames Water, which serves London and much of the surrounding region, is seen as the leading target for more direct government control, though the prime minister did not name it.
Peru is losing a battle against illegal gold mining in its rainforests
Even when operations to disrupt illegal gold mines go according to plan, it's only a matter of days before miners return, said a federal prosecutor involved in the operations.
Apple claims OpenAI is using confidential Apple material and destroying evidence
A court brief has been filed in support of Apple's motion for expedited pretrial fact-finding in the lawsuit, which accuses the ChatGPT-maker of stealing trade secrets.
Victims of 2001 fire in Tokyo’s Kabukicho remembered
Bereaved loved ones paid their respects at the site of the early-morning fire that claimed 44 lives 25 years ago.
Osaka brings style and steel for winning start to U.S. Open
Naomi Osaka unveiled another bold Grand Slam walk-on outfit before battling to a victory over unseeded Russian Anastasia Zakharova.
Five missing Japanese nationals highlighted in top envoy’s dialogue with Nepal
The Japanese government has decided to provide blankets, tents and other relief goods, and is considering dispatching a disaster relief team.
Japan and Belgium defense ministers agree to deepen security ties
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi welcomed Belgium's first assignment of a defense attache to its embassy in Tokyo, describing the move as highly significant.
Japan’s Kiuchi says record budget requests need broad comparison
The economic and fiscal policy minister added that next year's budget should properly reflect rising prices and wages "while strengthening the economy's growth potential."
North Korea-U.S. summit ‘possible at any time,’ Seoul spy agency says
South Korea's National Intelligence Service has analyzed that while there is no known concrete contact between the two sides, there are signs of dialogue.
Saka earns Arsenal narrow victory at troubled Villa
Aston Villa remains pointless and without a goal and will be anxious to try and boost its squad ahead of the transfer window closing on Tuesday.
Giants receiver Nabers praises OBJ for leadership
Malik Nabers is keeping the timetable for his return private, but the Giants receiver is excited about the return of Odell Beckham Jr., who earned a place on the 53-man roster.
Argentines hoped Messi would stay forever
Lionel Messi's long-anticipated international retirement still came as a shock in Argentina, where the World Cup winner became far more than a soccer star.
Easy Japanese in focus as way to deliver information to foreign nationals
A survey targeting foreign nationals living in Tokyo found 41.3% want to read information in easy Japanese, higher than 35.9% seeking information in English.
Ministry and agency tax system reform requests focus on economic strength
A tax reform package for the fiscal year starting next April will be compiled at the end of this year following examinations of the requests.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigns after clash with Pete Hegseth
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation leaves the service without several top leaders even as the conflict with Iran continues.
Japan’s companies boost capital investment as profits surge
The results are the latest sign that the corporate sector is coping fairly well with the fallout from the Middle East conflict.
Britain’s universities bet on foreign students. Now they’re turning elsewhere.
Two mid-ranking institutions are merging into one of the U.K.'s biggest, forging a blueprint for others in the economically challenged sector to follow.
30 years on, former gang member found guilty of murdering Tupac Shakur
The jury in a Las Vegas court found Duane "Keffe D" Davis guilty of murder after just a few hours of deliberation.
China warns of ‘consequences’ over Taiwan presence at Pacific leaders meeting
China views Taiwan as its own territory, and China-Taiwan tensions have featured prominently at the annual Pacific Islands Forum, which is intended to demonstrate regional unity.
Honda and Nissan to jointly develop components for software-defined vehicles
The move is aimed at splitting huge development costs and countering U.S. electric vehicle giant Tesla and Chinese competitors that lead the field.
Settlement requires Meta to check young users’ ages. How will that work?
The owner of Facebook and Instagram recently came to an $18 billion legal settlement with U.S. states that is aimed at curbing children's use of social media.
Modi tells Putin that the war in Ukraine must end, for humanity’s sake
The Indian prime minister made his comments at the start of talks with the Russian president in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.
The ICC’s reality check in a multipolar world
Preserving the International Criminal Court may require limits on its authority.
Japan prisons roll out facility visits to promote dialogue with citizens
The interactive visit program began in November 2024 at prisons across the country to reform the organizational culture, which had tended to be closed.
Conducting diplomacy with America’s showman-in-chief
Negotiating with Trump requires understanding the strategy, psychology and performance behind his actions.
Bessent expects Japan to take action to boost yen, signals BOJ rate-hike chance
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's calls for Bank of Japan rate hikes have been among the factors that led markets to nearly fully price in the chance of a September hike.
Government asks city of Hitachiomiya to accept nuclear waste site survey
If realized, Hitachiomiya would become the fifth site in the country to accept such a survey.
After 50 years, spirit of ‘declaration of people who stutter’ lives on
Many who try to cope with symptoms of the speech disorder live their lives with confidence instead of becoming obsessed with trying to find a cure.
Ailing Novak Djokovic suffers shocking upset in opening round of U.S. Open
The 39-year-old vomited midway through the match and was hampered by back and shoulder issues that affected his serve toward the end.
Japan spent a record ¥49 trillion on medical expenses in FY2025
The amount, which is 2.6% higher year on year, reflects the country's aging population and advances in medical technology, according to the health ministry.
Inside Afghanistan’s secret schools for girls
Across the country, girls are risking arrest by going to school in secret, refusing to give up their fight for an education.
Picture-perfect AI resumes push firms back to tests, referrals
As AI tools have made flawless job applications easy, employers are bringing back traditional techniques to sift through candidates.
Itochu set to take Dentsu Soken private in $1.3 billion deal
Itochu will acquire almost 75 million Dentsu Soken shares at ¥2,880 each, valuing the deal at roughly ¥215.2 billion.
Rare color photos of occupied Japan face being lost to time
Many rare color photos taken by U.S. service members after World War II are gradually being dispersed or lost over time, though some may contain historically significant scenes.
India’s aviation boom faces turbulence amid safety concerns
A series of crises at India's two main carriers, Air India and IndiGo, has exposed safety and regulatory shortcomings in the world's third-largest domestic aviation market.
Forget GLP-1 stocks, baldness drugs are Wall Street’s next goldmine
Pattern hair loss affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S., but there have been no new approved drugs since the late 1990s.
SK Hynix weighs Japan memory fab partnership to supply AI boom
The South Korean supplier of dynamic and flash memory is considering various locations for a jointly operated plant.
The battle to build a global defense bank
Britain, Japan and other G7 countries so far declining to join has raised questions over whether the bank can achieve the triple-A credit rating it wants.
Vietnamese coffee farmers ride China’s durian wave
The area dedicated to durian in the country, which trails only Brazil in coffee output, has soared more than fivefold to 200,000 hectares nationwide over the past decade.
Japan-South Korea business panel launched to address low birth rate
The group aims to enable the two countries to share knowledge and experiences in seeking solutions to their demographic challenges through private-sector cooperation.
How the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is reshaping global energy use
By dramatically raising fossil-fuel prices, the conflict has also been pushing governments, companies and consumers towards renewable energy.
Gaza’s children lose simple joy as Israel warns against kite-flying
Israel has accused Hamas of using children and says the kites could pose a threat, years after a wave of incendiary kites and balloons sparked fires in Israeli farmland.
Japan’s factory output edges up despite Middle East headwinds
Output gained 0.1% in July from the previous month, the industry ministry has reported.
