Latest Osaka News

Japan's ban on recognizing same-sex unions is unconstitutional, a court finds. Here's what to know

Dec. 13, 2024 08:32 AM EST

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, a high court ruled Friday, the latest victory for the LGBTQ+ community to add pressure on the reluctant government. Friday’s decision by the Fukuoka High Court in southern Japan marks the eighth...

Japan plans automated cargo transport system to relieve shortage of drivers and cut emissions

Nov. 02, 2024 01:27 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan is planning to build an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka, dubbed a “conveyor belt road” by the government, to make up for a shortage of truck drivers. The amount of funding for the project is not yet set. But it's seen as one key...

Shohei Ohtani's rural hometown honors its superstar son -- from city hall to the hair salons

Oct. 29, 2024 20:42 PM EDT

OSHU CITY, Japan (AP) — Shohei Ohtani's hometown in northern Japan is a rural place, famous for its high-quality Maesawa beef, its history of making traditional ironware and the intense green hills and mountains that surround it. Japanese call such places “inaka” — roughly...