Latest Japan government News

Japan earmarks $107 billion for developing hydrogen energy to cut emissions, stabilize supplies

Jun. 06, 2023 04:54 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s government on Tuesday adopted a revision to the country’s plans to use more hydrogen as fuel as part of the effort to reduce carbon emissions. The plan sets an ambitious target to increase the annual supply by six times from the current level to 12 million...

Stock market today: Asian stocks mixed after Wall St retreats on concern economy weakening

Jun. 06, 2023 02:52 AM EDT

BEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets were mixed Tuesday after Wall Street fell on concern the U.S. economy may be weakening following a report that showed growth in service industries slowing. Tokyo and Hong Kong rose while Shanghai and Sydney declined. Oil prices retreated. ...

Stock market today: Asian stocks rise after Wall St retreats on concern economy weakening

Jun. 06, 2023 00:31 AM EDT

BEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets rose Tuesday after Wall Street fell on concern the U.S. economy may be weakening following a report that showed growth in service industries slowing. Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong rose. Sydney retreated. Oil prices declined. Wall...

Australian PM Albanese stresses need for diplomacy, guardrails in dealing with China

Jun. 02, 2023 10:34 AM EDT

SINGAPORE (AP) — As tensions grow between the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a gathering of top defense officials Friday that open channels of communication are critical for preserving peace, while also advocating effective deterrence....

Japan birth rate hits record low amid concerns over shrinking and aging population

Jun. 02, 2023 08:07 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s birth rate declined for a seventh consecutive year in 2022 to a record low of 1.26, the Health Ministry said Friday, adding to a sense of urgency in a country where the government is seen as too slow to take measures to address its rapidly shrinking and aging population. ...

US defense chief calls China's refusal to meet unfortunate during visit to Tokyo for talks

Jun. 01, 2023 05:22 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed the importance of communication during a stopover Thursday in Tokyo, calling it unfortunate that his Chinese counterpart is refusing to meet him at an upcoming annual security conference in Singapore, which both men are attending. ...

Toyota debuts hydrogen-fueled Corolla race car as auto racing begins shift away from gas guzzlers

Jun. 01, 2023 01:32 AM EDT

OYAMA, Japan (AP) — In a sprawling circuit near Mount Fuji, a humble Corolla running on liquid hydrogen has made its racing debut, part of a move to bring the futuristic technology into the racing world and to demonstrate Toyota’s resolve to develop green vehicles. Toyota...

Priceless painting looted by Nazis during World War II returns to Poland from Japan

May. 31, 2023 10:42 AM EDT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A priceless 16th century Italian painting that was looted by Nazi Germany during World War II and discovered in Japan has been returned to Poland, authorities in Warsaw said Wednesday. The “Madonna with Child” attributed to Alessandro Turchi, is the latest...

North Korea's failed satellite launch triggers public confusion, security jitters in neighbors

May. 31, 2023 07:14 AM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea’s launch of a spy satellite on Wednesday ended in an embarrassing failure, but still prompted public confusion and security jitters in neighboring South Korea and Japan, which are wary of the North’s growing weapons arsenal. About 14...

Japanese court says government's policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional

May. 30, 2023 06:49 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese court ruled Tuesday that the government's policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, in a closely watched decision that supporters say is a step toward marriage equality. The Nagoya District Court in central Japan, however, rejected a request by a...