Latest Japan News

As North Korean and Chinese threats rise, US looks to lock in defense partnerships with Asian allies

Jun. 29, 2024 01:25 AM EDT

GIMHAE AIR BASE, South Korea (AP) — The United States wrapped up its first multidomain exercise with Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea on Saturday, a step forward in Washington's efforts to strengthen and lock in its security partnerships with key Asian allies in the face of growing...

Japan's space agency delays launch of upgraded observation satellite on new H3 rocket due to weather

Jun. 28, 2024 06:20 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s space agency said Friday its planned launch this weekend of a satellite on its new flagship H3 rocket will be postponed until Monday due to expected bad weather. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said it is postponing the launch because of rain...

Japan protests sex assault cases involving US military on Okinawa and their delayed disclosure

Jun. 28, 2024 06:17 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s government protested Friday to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo over at least two sexual assault cases involving American servicemembers on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa which were only recently made public. In one case, an Air Force member is accused of...

Stock market today: Asian shares mostly rise ahead of U.S. inflation report

Jun. 27, 2024 23:27 PM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares gained Friday as traders looked ahead to a key report on inflation that could influence the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 0.9% in early trading to 39,711.93. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.6% to...

Tokyo's old fish market makes way for skyscrapers, glitzy stadium to woo global spenders

Jun. 27, 2024 23:18 PM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — The site of Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji fish market, left empty after it was razed six years ago, will be replaced by a scenic waterfront stadium and glistening skyscrapers according to plans for its redevelopment that are facing some staunch opposition. A computer...

Rescuers seek to bring down bodies found on Japan's Mount Fuji

Jun. 27, 2024 05:35 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Three bodies were found inside a crater at the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan’s most famous mountain, with one of them already brought down from the slopes, police said Thursday. The identities of the people, including gender or age, were not confirmed. An effort to...

Stock market today: Asian shares falter after Nvidia rebound supports Wall St

Jun. 25, 2024 23:52 PM EDT

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares are mixed after a rebound for Nvidia propped up a weakened Wall Street. Japan’s Nikkei jumped 1.4% to 39,726.39, buoyed by strong demand for technology shares driven by the enthusiasm over Nvidia and artificial intelligence. Tokyo...

It's not as world-famous as ramen or sushi. But the humble onigiri is soul food in Japan

Jun. 24, 2024 03:42 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — The word “onigiri” became part of the Oxford English Dictionary this year, proof that the humble sticky-rice ball and mainstay of Japanese food has entered the global lexicon. The rice balls are stuffed with a variety of fillings and typically wrapped in seaweed....

Japan's emperor says he looks forward to deepening ties with Britain's royals during UK visit

Jun. 20, 2024 03:09 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's Emperor Naruhito said Wednesday he is “delighted” to finally be able to visit Britain after the trip was delayed by several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he looks forward to rekindling his friendship with the British royal family and exploring Oxford, where...

Japan, New Zealand agree on intel sharing pact amid growing regional security concerns

Jun. 19, 2024 13:04 PM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan and New Zealand agreed Wednesday in principle on an intelligence sharing pact as their leaders shared concerns over the increasingly challenging security environment in the region, including closer ties between Russia and North Korea. In a joint statement, Prime...