U.N. hails women’s rights in response to Japan’s revision of Imperial House Law
The revised law maintains the rule limiting the right of succession to the throne to male members in the male line.
Apple raises iPhone 17 price by 10% in Japan as yen stays weak
The starting quote for the entry-level iPhone 17 handset with 256 gigabytes of storage was ¥142,800 ($879.29) on Apple's official website in Japan.
BOJ likely to raise growth forecast and stand pat, sources say
The officials will make final decisions on policy and the economic outlook after assessing all available data and information up to the last minute, the sources said.
Japan’s ‘decisive action’ threat does little to scare yen bears
The lack of movement in the yen speaks to the diminishing power of verbal intervention if it isn't backed up with further action.
Ex-Japan minister faults India for Modi bullet train delay
"They just don't keep promises, no matter what. Even if they make a promise, they flip it right away," said Hideki Makihara,
Uniqlo sister brand GU taps luxury designer to sell $18 jeans
The retailer this week unveiled the first collection overseen by Francesco Risso, the former creative director of Italian luxury label Marni.
To stay cool, wear flowing robes and throw water around? Yes, says science.
Long before air conditioning, people around the world came up with ingenious ways to beat the heat.
Opposition to data centers grows in cramped urban Japan
The explosion in resource-hungry data centers — housing the hardware "brains" of artificial intelligence — is fueling unease worldwide.
Iran says tankers exploded from Hormuz mines as U.S. strikes continue
U.S. forces reported striking Iran for the seventh consecutive night with attacks designed to "continue degrading Iranian military capabilities."
Chinese media’s ‘racist’ video of monkey in Filipino costume draws Manila’s rebuke
The animated video also depicted the monkey as acting on orders from U.S. and Japan, and being hit by a water cannon.
Rubio expected to discuss Trump-Xi summit in Asia meetings
Analysts say a Rubio meeting with Wang Yi is likely to focus on preparations for a second summit this year between Trump and Xi following their last meeting in May.
U.S. partially restores Hong Kong status revoked by Trump, drawing praise from China
The 2020 executive order over China's security crackdown on Hong Kong had imposed sanctions on individuals associated with it and suspended special economic and trade privileges.
Nichirei to fully resume operations as early as next week
The company on Friday partially restarted operations at refrigerated warehouses and food factories, by accepting limited orders from client companies.
It was 60 years ago today: Japan’s top Beatles fan keeps the Budokan flame burning
A lifelong collector turned one unforgettable concert into a museum celebrating the Fab Four's enduring impact in Japan.
Parliament extends current session through July 25
The extension will allow further discussion on a bill to establish the concept of a secondary capital.
As Ukraine’s deep strikes mount, Putin lets his country burn
The war has become the organizing principle of Putin's regime, leaving no path to lasting peace without a fundamental political transformation.
23 injured after substance sprayed at Osaka junior high school
Fifteen students and eight school staff members said they were experiencing sore throats and skin irritation after the incident, according to the city's board of education.
Japan ready to welcome France to steamy Tokyo for Nations Championship clash
Both teams head into the game with one win and one loss apiece in the inaugural Nations Championship.
Japan passes bill to prevent unauthorized overseas crop sales
The bill aims to better protect the rights related to Japan-developed fruits that are popular overseas and prevent a loss of profit.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc labels Mercedes as favorite for Belgian Grand Prix
Mercedes has won five of the seven races.
Bioplastic use rising in Japan amid naphtha woes
The "naphtha shock" exposed the risk of relying on Middle East crude oil for industrial and daily goods materials.
Japan’s parliament passes bill to revise retrial system
The revised code will prohibit prosecutors from appealing court orders to initiate retrials in principle, while some exceptions will be allowed on sufficient grounds.
Bills to preserve imperial family clear Upper House
They pave the way for the first major revision of the Imperial House Law since its establishment in 1947.
Upper House passes flag-desecration bill despite constitutional concerns
The law, to take effect in August, will punish anyone who publicly damages, removes or defaces the flag in a way deemed likely to cause "extreme discomfort or disgust to others."
Ex-nurse accused of murder researched injecting feces into IV drip
The 51-year-old former nurse was also seen entering the patient's room several times shortly before his death, according to hospital officials.
Xi seeks global AI sway as Chinese models spur security alarm
Beijing is now looking to jostle with the U.S. — the leading AI power — for influence through a new group of nearly 30 countries.
Nikkei briefly dives over 4,100 points in afternoon
It slipped below 63,000 for the first time in about a month on an intraday basis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo says Heat provide best route to another NBA title
The Heat are also reportedly in the mix for LeBron James, who is deciding where he will play next after announcing his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers in June.
‘Blessed town’ on Venezuelan coast escapes quake damage
The sleep town of Anare's 4,000 or so residents felt the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors last month, but their hillside homes remained intact.
China lauds Papua New Guinea over decision to shut Taiwan office
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said the decision was made without consultation and it lodged a formal protest with Papua New Guinea, adding that the office continued normal operations.
India’s space sector takes off as private rocket readies launch
The country's space economy has rapidly expanded since the sector opened up to private investment in 2020, and is now valued at $8.4 billion.
Chipmaker Kioxia’s market value halves from peak on AI selloff
Investors are more closely scrutinizing global chipmakers as they question whether the payoff from AI spending can justify lofty valuations.
Google Search AI poses ‘unacceptable risk’ to kids, report finds
The ubiquitous search engine's AI features failed to detect suicide risks, said an eating disorder symptom was normal, and provided instructions for creating deepfakes, it says.
China’s giant EVs are damaging roads without paying for repairs
The vehicles — some more than 5 meters long and weighing three tons — are straining roads while starving the government of fuel taxes to maintain them.
SMBC bolsters global sales and trading push with macro hire
New hire Kunal Maini was most recently the head of Americas fixed income, currencies and commodities trading at BNP Paribas.
Trump accuses China of 2020 voting interference, contradicting U.S. intelligence findings
U.S. President Donald Trump's 25-minute address underscores his effort to make election security a central political issue ahead of November's midterm elections.
Heat and wildfire smoke become a dangerous new climate reality
High temperatures alone are dangerous, as is inhaling polluted air. The harm from each individually can be magnified when people experience both together.
Top currency forecaster says yen may reach ¥170 against dollar
Kolkata-based Vikram Murarka uses a prediction model that largely ignores the news and focuses on technical analysis instead.
Dejected England and France prepare for World Cup match neither wanted
France's hopes of reaching a third successive World Cup final were emphatically ended by Spain, while England suffered its own heartbreak a day later with a loss to Argentina.
Seven & I said to be in talks to take stake in Poland’s Zabka
The transaction, if completed, would allow the 7-Eleven operator to accelerate expansion in Europe where growth has lagged behind its main markets in the U.S. and Japan.
Iran tells Houthis to close Red Sea gateway if U.S. hits power network, sources say
Any threat to the Red Sea and its Bab al-Mandab gateway risks exacerbating the global energy crisis and underscores the explosive risks stemming from a new round of warfare.
Honda to halt sales of last EV in its U.S. lineup
The carmaker has informed American dealers that production of the Honda Prologue will cease later this year.
Trump threatens new Iran escalation and risks repeating old mistakes
While the U.S. and Iran have so far avoided a return to full-scale conflict, increasingly ominous developments have dimmed hopes of finding an off-ramp anytime soon.
Japanese has a word for when your husband makes you sick
Explore Japan's "husband-origin illness" while learning vocabulary and grammar about marriage, retirement and relationships.
Zelenskyy taps new defense chief in bid to quell political crisis
Rare protests erupted in Ukraine over Mykhailo Fedorov being dismissed as defense minister in a surprise government reshuffle.
Esei Haangana set for debut as Japan prepares to face France in hot and humid Tokyo
Japan coach Eddie Jones made six changes to the team that started against Ireland in Newcastle, Australia, including a completely different front row.
Zainichi drama ‘Trophy’ is a sweet, if slight, coming-of-age tale
Son Myong A's debut feature centers on a Tokyo teen grappling with her Korean heritage, both at home and in the classroom.
‘Sana: Play With Me’ can’t recapture the simple scares of J-horror’s glory days
The latest film by J-horror director Takashi Shimizu (best known for "Juon: The Grudge") starts with an intriguing premise but becomes overblown by its third act.
Dismissal of Ukraine’s defense chief sparks political crisis
Volodymyr Zelenskyy's reshuffle has fueled public anger over his exclusion of Mykhailo Fedorov, a 35-year-old tech expert.
39% support imperial succession by sons of adoptees: poll
Meanwhile, 26.9% voiced opposition to the proposal, while 33.6% said neither or that they are undecided.
Japan looks to strengthen rules in bid to curtail passive smoking
The panel, which has been reviewing measures against secondhand smoking, stopped short of strengthening regulations on heated tobacco products.
Parties agree on new benefit program but stay divided over consumption tax on food
While the political parties agreed to a refundable tax credit for certain workers, debate centered on cutting the consumption tax on food is only expected to intensify.
Thomas Tuchel says England not cursed after nation’s latest World Cup heartbreak
England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina then seized control, and Tuchel's side failed to withstand the pressure.
CDP and CRA’s opposing stances on imperial family bills cloud prospect for merger
The CDP opposes a clause allowing the future male offspring of newly reinstated members of the imperial family to become heirs to the chrysanthemum throne.
Tractors out, oxen in for fuel-starved Cuban farms
U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a fuel blockade in January intensified the worst energy crisis in Cuba's post-revolutionary history.
Overseas investors return to Japanese bonds after minister’s pension fund signal
Overseas investors bought a net ¥499.8 billion of Japanese long-term bonds, their first weekly net purchase since May 30.
Nvidia expands Toyota AI partnership for smart cities, factories
Extending the reach of AI beyond the data center and integrating it directly into devices and machines is an industrywide focus this year.
Australia to toughen modern slavery penalty after U.S. tariff threat
Laws will have a new criminal offense if companies with revenue over $70 million fail to prevent modern slavery, including forced labor and debt bondage, in their supply chains.
Tokyo eyes New York University campus in push for global education
The announcement comes as Japan's capital seeks to strengthen its profile as an international education and research hub.
Japan revises AI policy guidelines to bolster cybersecurity
The revision comes amid rapid technological innovation, including the launch of U.S. startup Anthropic's Claude Mythos.
Nichirei getting back online after cyberattack hit KFC supplies
Cyberattacks are becoming a recurring operational risk for Japanese companies, with incidents increasingly disrupting more than just internal IT systems.
A hidden pipeline brings Amazon and Walmart to African shoppers
No bank card? No address?
Riders battle against extreme heat and fatigue during Tour de France
Drops of rain fell at the start of the Tour de France's 11th stage from Vichy to Nevers, bringing a much-needed but brief respite for the riders.
Some ships refusing U.S.-military guided Hormuz transits after attacks, sources say
The U.S. military was helping vessels through the strait as part of an operation involving scores of secretive ship-to-ship oil transfers to keep Gulf energy exports flowing.
UNESCO panel to urge Japan to reform exhibits at gold mines on Sado Island
The draft was compiled based on South Korea's argument that people from the Korean Peninsula were forced to provide labor at the mining complex during World War II.
Canadian wildfire smoke chokes Toronto and threatens U.S. cities
The National Weather Service said smoke from the wildfires could linger into the end of the week.
Susumu Tonegawa, first Japanese Nobel laureate in medicine, dies at 86
Tonegawa received the Nobel Prize in 1987 for clarifying how limited sets of genes produce various antibodies that play an important role in immunity.
Drones, AI and white paint: Europe races to protect infrastructure from heat
Europe is having to adapt to rising temperatures that are stoking wildfires, causing thousands of excess deaths and putting infrastructure under growing pressure.
Yen options suggest a slide to 165 level before Japan intervenes
Traders are comfortable pricing yen weakness all the way to 165 per dollar — a drop of about 1.6% from the current level, already near the weakest in four decades.
Ex-nurse in Chiba Prefecture suspected of killing patient by mixing feces in IV
After the inpatient died from multiple organ failure resulting from sepsis, a brown-colored foreign object was discovered in his IV tube, according to the police.
As the World Cup wraps in LA, the 2028 Olympics beckon
Los Angeles' public transit has been used by hundreds of thousands of fans to reach games and fan events, a notable achievement in a region where the automobile is king.
Facial recognition gates introduced at Ikebukuro Station
Passengers can pass through the ticket gates hands-free if they register their facial data and commuter pass information in advance.
Trump’s aides see China cheating on trade, but shun retaliation
Some officials believe Trump is particularly disinclined toward registering any objection that could endanger his plans to host Xi for a lavish state visit in September.
Young Japanese who rode AI boom flaunt wealth with luxury buys
The shopping spree also reveals a deepening societal divide, exposing the increasingly uneven nature of Japan's economic revival.
IOC defends decision to ease restrictions on Russian Olympic Committee
The IOC said the decision was provisional and did not signal a broader change in its position toward Russia.
Japan sees 2% drop in foreign visitors in first half of 2026
While the first-half visitor tally topped 20 million for the second straight year, Japan saw a 56.4% drop in visitors from China.
Chinese drugmakers with big ambitions struggle to recruit staff for global expansion
China's rapid rise as a hub for testing experimental, next-generation medicines is outpacing the industry's ability to build the workforce needed to take those products global.
Japan family finds bear in kitchen, calls police
Bears have killed at least five people in Japan since April 1, all in the Tohoku region.
Found on Jan. 1, Osechi is a New Year’s darling
Despite his small size and short legs, Osechi is made for walking.
Japanese companies gradually implement measures to combat customer harassment
Some companies have established consultation desks for employees while others have introduced audio and video recording equipment at workplaces.
KFC Japan may cut menu as logistics outage disrupts deliveries
The fast-food giant says product shortages, reduced menus and changes to opening hours are possible due to the disruption.
Kenya’s goons: A world of political violence and desperation
Armed people are being hired in Kenya to break up the rallies of political opponents and protesters and attack civil rights groups — with police often turning a blind eye.
Former event business executive found guilty over Tokyo Games bid-rigging
Tokyo District Court sentenced the 66-year-old former executive, Masahiko Fujino, to one year and eight months in prison, suspended for three years.
AL All-Stars score early, shut out NL on three hits
With Cody Bellinger driving in two, he was ultimately named the game's MVP.
Brutal killing of 11-year-old highlights unrelenting sexual violence in India
The girl was kidnapped, raped, bundled into a sack and thrown into a pond by a gang of men while still alive, according to a local investigating police officer.
Two more former Japan Post workers implicated in bribery scandal
An internal investigation from Japan Post showed the method of the wrongdoing involving contracts was passed down among the three workers.
Japan’s bid to bring money home faces fiscal and BOJ reality check
The renewed focus on domestic investment comes as Tokyo seeks new ways to support Japanese assets after repeated foreign-exchange interventions failed to halt the yen's slide.
Vietnam jeweler rocked as ex-official linked to gem smuggling
Police detained the former head of Phu Nhuan Jewelry's gem certification subsidiary over his alleged links to a transnational diamond-smuggling ring.
OpenAI’s first device will be movable, screenless speaker built as AI companion
The device represents a critical next step for OpenAI, which is poised for an initial public offering in the coming months.
‘Immense disappointment’: Mbappe rues end of World Cup dream
The player had emerged as one of the stars of the tournament during France's run to the last four.
JR East announces design of new inspection shinkansen train
The new train, nicknamed Soar, will inspect the tracks and other facilities while running at a maximum speed of 320 kilometers per hour.
Organizers reschedule summer events to dodge extreme heat and heavy rain
Summer festivals and fireworks shows that used to be held in July or August have either been brought forward or pushed back.
AI ignites ‘ignored sector’ for Japan chipmaker Kioxia
The global race to build artificial intelligence data centers has upped business for chipmakers, creating shortages and sending prices soaring for memory components in particular.
BOJ’s 2016 negative rate shock shows split board hitting limit
The surprise decision upended stocks and sent the yen higher against the dollar — an unusual market reaction to additional monetary stimulus.
Burnham team falls into infighting over Miliband chancellor pick
While many Andy Burnham supporters on the left of the governing Labour Party had expected him to put Energy Secretary Ed Miliband in charge of the Treasury, others are against it.
McIlroy seeks end to British Open drought as Scheffler defends title
McIlroy has limited his appearances on the PGA Tour to prioritize the majors this year, playing just three nonmajor events since the Masters in April.
Meta used AI to target workers with medical conditions for layoffs, lawsuit claims
The lawsuit says that the company relied on factors such as productivity and AI token usage when it slashed thousands of jobs earlier this year.
How ‘The Solitary Gourmet’ became one of Japan’s most enduring TV hits
The understated TV series has won devoted fans by celebrating Japan's neighborhood eateries and the quiet pleasures of dining alone.
IOC asked to investigate FIFA president’s role in Balogun reversal
Gianni Infantino acknowledged receiving a call from U.S. President Donald Trump, but the FIFA president said he did not interfere with the decision-making process.
Too hot: Buttoned-up Tokyo officials ditch suits for ‘cool’ shorts
The loosening of a strict dress code comes as Japanese offices cut reliance on air conditioning due to high energy costs linked to the Middle East war.
ANA captain jailed for sexually assaulting flight attendant
Judge Takao Okawa said the defendant committed a "despicable" sexual assault that abused his position as captain.
Trump resumes Iran port blockade and threatens strikes on energy targets
The 1949 Geneva Conventions on humanitarian conduct in war prohibit attacks on sites considered essential for civilians.
Young Australian men falling victim to online sexual extortion, regulator says
Australia's eSafety Commissioner received more than 2,200 complaints in the six months to December about sexual extortion, a third of them from men age 18 to 24 years old.
Jordan Walker stuns home favorite Kyle Schwarber in HR Derby final
Munetaka Murakami was eliminated in the first round.
Japan finance chief floats JGBs in tax-free accounts and GPIF portfolio review
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama's remarks were seen as part of stepped-up efforts to attract cash to domestic markets as the yen weakens.
SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son sees fusion power as key to AI’s future
However, many technological and financial challenges remain for fusion technology to become a viable energy source.
Japan looks to Ukraine’s battlefield for defense blueprint
Conflicts will be won if Japan — like many other nations, especially in the Pacific — can update its military doctrine to match the realities of modern warfare.
Waitlist for after-school care down for second year in Japan
By prefecture, Tokyo had the largest number of children on waiting lists, followed by Saitama and Hyogo, while Fukui had no children on such waiting lists.
Azerbaijan’s president hints at defense-sector cooperation with Japan
Citing Japanese companies constructing power plants in Azerbaijan in the past, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said he hopes Japanese investment in his country will grow again.
First human trial of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine begins
The early-stage trial will enroll 50 healthy adults to assess the vaccine's safety and immune response.
Trump administration targets ICC after judges file complaint
The State Department said on Monday it was considering travel bans and revoking visas for ICC officials as well as additional sanctions against the ICC.
European powers join forces to build anti-ballistic missile defense system
The decision signals a shift away from its reliance on the U.S. as Ukraine struggles against Russia's onslaught.
Huawei’s $11 billion clean energy empire is opening new markets
As the U.S. and Europe become more hostile, emerging markets like Brazil are becoming increasingly important for the Chinese business.
Decision not to indict anti-NHK group’s head found to be inappropriate
During the campaign for the 2024 Hyogo gubernatorial election, Takashi Tachibana gave an allegedly intimidating speech in front of a prefectural assembly member's home-cum-office.
Cash is king again at Tokyo’s bars after credit processor fails
Though the impact of Zentoshin's sudden bankruptcy is limited, it's a setback for Japan, which only recently shed its notorious cash-only image.
Shein executive chairman to pass the baton as IPO nears completion, sources say
A Chinese American billionaire who began his career in banking, Donald Tang has acted as Shein's Western representative, liaising with politicians, regulators and investors.
Japan aims to protect image and voice rights from generative AI use
Many things remain unclear regarding what constitutes the illegal use of voices, as no Japanese court ruling has been issued on related rights.
Japan and Vietnam affirm closer security cooperation
The countries defense ministers have discussed issues including regional affairs and ways to advance defense equipment and technology cooperation.
Prime Minister’s Office to lead intelligence efforts in Japan
A new council will be responsible for examining and deliberating on "important intelligence activities," including those linked to national security and terrorism.
Europe’s digital euro: What it is and how it would work
The negotiations on rules for a digital euro aim to produce a final law by the end of the year and have it launch in 2029.
