Japan has unveiled its final six contenders for the role of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games mascots - and only children are getting the final say. The organising committee selected three sets of finalists from more than 2,000 entries submitted by ... ( read original story ...)
Japan woos Russia for its own security
Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff of Russia's armed forces, is visiting Japan this week, in a trip that will raise eyebrows in the U.S. and western European capitals. For Gerasimov is none other than the controversial creator of the "Gerasimov ... ( read original story ...)
Once a ‘scientist’s paradise,’ Japan’s Riken seeks new vitality
TOKYO -- Riken, Japan's national research institute, celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. The organization was once called a "scientist's paradise," but those days seem to be over, as its research has been mostly determined by the government in ... ( read original story ...)
Nagoya urged to install elevator in castle keep for disabled visitors
NAGOYA--The city authorities have been slammed by disabled people ... secretary-general of the forum, told a news conference. “We want it to be designed so that everybody can enjoy visiting it without anxiety.” The group organizes people with ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo priest killed with samurai sword in stabbings that left 2 others dead
TOKYO — The head priest of a prominent shrine in Tokyo was ambushed and killed with a samurai sword, apparently by her brother, who then took his own life, police said Friday. A female accomplice also died in the attack, and the priest’s driver was ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo 2020 unveil bug-eyed Olympic mascot hopefuls
There was more bad news in October when Olympic organisers admitted that prolonged summer rain had brought high levels of bacteria to a venue earmarked for triathlon and open water swimming. While Tokyo has taken successful measures to reduce costs ... ( read original story ...)
Knife attack at Tokyo shrine: Three people dead, one injured
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, who reviewed the area’s security ... a shorter sword and two survival knives, Japanese news agency Kyodo News reported. The police are now trying to establish the exact motive for the attack, but the family ... ( read original story ...)
Bank of Japan’s $150 Billion ETF Binge Looks Likely to Slow Next Year
As stocks surge and consumer prices inch higher, investors say it’s time for the Bank of Japan to reduce equity purchases that have been criticized for distorting the market. Sometime next year, the BOJ will cut its annual buying target for domestic ... ( read original story ...)
Japan, US, EU to join in pressuring China on fair trade
TOKYO -- Japan, the U.S. and the European Union will join together to call for fairer trade practices at the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization to be held in Buenos Aires from Sunday. They are expected to announce a joint policy to develop ... ( read original story ...)
Canada wins three medals at figure skating Grand Prix
NAGOYA, Japan -- Canadians won three medals at the ISU Grand Prix Final on Saturday, the last major international figure skating event before the Olympic Winter Games in February. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir took the silver in ice dancing while Meagan ... ( read original story ...)
Russian teenager Alina Zagitova wins Grand Prix Final
NAGOYA, Japan (AP) — Alina Zagitova performed a near-flawless free skate on Saturday to win the figure skating Grand Prix Final. Skating to Don Quixote, the 15-year-old world junior champion from Russia placed all seven of her jumps in the second half of ... ( read original story ...)
Japan, U.S., South Korea to hold missile tracking drill amid North Korea crisis
TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States, Japan and South Korea will hold two days of missile tracking drills this week, Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force said on Sunday, as tensions rise in the region over North Korea's fast-developing weapons programs. ( read original story ...)
Canada wins three medals at Grand Prix Final, last event before Olympics
NAGOYA, Japan – Canadians won three medals at the ISU Grand Prix Final on Saturday, the last major international figure skating event before the Olympic Winter Games in February. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir took the silver in ice dancing while Meagan ... ( read original story ...)
Japan Inc. heads for record dividends topping $100bn
Most Japanese companies' payout ratios cluster around the same level, showing little individuality in spending strategies. Paying more, but not proportionally The Nikkei calculated completed and planned payouts by listed Japanese companies that close their ... ( read original story ...)
Canada’s Osmond first after short program at skating Grand Prix finale
NAGOYA, Japan – Canada’s Kaetlyn Osmond executed a near-perfect performance Friday to take first place in the women’s short program at the ISU Grand Prix Final figure skating event. The 22-year-old from Marystown, N.L., landed a triple-triple ... ( read original story ...)
In deal as big as NAFTA, EU and Japan agree to free trade
The European Union and Japan have agreed terms for a free trade deal liberalizing almost all trade between the bloc and the world's third-largest economy. It is the largest free trade deal struck by the EU, bringing together economies representing ... ( read original story ...)