Japan's Cabinet OKs bill to let Emperor Akihito abdicate

Japan's Cabinet approved Friday a bill to let 83-year-old Emperor Akihito abdicate and allow his elder son Crown Prince Naruhito to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne. The abdication will be Japan's first in 200 years. Akihito indicated his desire to abdicate ... ( read original story ...)

China, Japan extract combustible ice from seafloor

Japan first extracted some of the material in 2013 but ended ... In this May 16, 2017 photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, workers celebrate the successful trial extraction of natural gas from combustible ice trapped under the seafloor on a ... ( read original story ...)

Japan cabinet approves Emperor Akihito abdication bill

But current Japanese law has no provision for abdication ... a problem thrust back into the limelight this week with news that Akihito's eldest granddaughter will marry a commoner, after which she must leave the royal family. There are only four heirs ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's economy expands at fastest pace in a year in Jan-March

TOKYO Japan's economy grew at the fastest pace in a year in the first quarter to mark the longest period of expansion in a decade, heightening prospects that robust overseas demand will underpin a steady recovery. The data offers some relief to Bank of ... ( read original story ...)

Funding help for Tokyo Olympics in doubt

TOKYO >> The Tokyo metropolitan government has requested that Japan’s central government cover the costs of about 20 categories in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. However, the central government was expected to ... ( read original story ...)

Japanese Princess Mako set to marry 'Prince of the Sea'

Tokyo (CNN)Japan's Princess Mako is giving up her royal status -- all ... The engagement won't become official until a ceremonial exchange of gifts, but the news has reignited concerns about the shrinking size of the imperial family, which currently ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s economy expands at fastest pace in a year

Japan’s economy grew in the first quarter at its fastest pace in a year to mark the longest period of expansion in a decade, thanks to robust exports and a helpful boost from private consumption. Positive data issued on Thursday should offer some relief ... ( read original story ...)