Yahoo Japan appoints a new chief to drive innovation

TOKYO -- Yahoo Japan's business model may be stuck in the 1990s, but the company hopes that a leadership shakeup later this year will spark innovation to spur higher stock prices and compete against U.S. internet giants. "There is still growth potential in ... ( read original story ...)

Japan navy spots tanker alongside North Korean ship

TOKYO — Japan’s Foreign Ministry says a Japanese navy surveillance aircraft has spotted a Dominican-flagged oil tanker apparently transferring fuel to a North Korean tanker in the open seas. A ministry statement said Wednesday that the possible ... ( read original story ...)

Japan exports up 12 per cent in 2017 in tailwind for growth

TOKYO — Japan reports its exports rose 12 per cent in 2017 from a year earlier in a strong tailwind for the economy, while imports jumped 14 per cent. The recovery in trade is driving stronger growth in Japan, though the trade surplus dropped 25 per cent ... ( read original story ...)

Don’t want to bother with cat litter? Japan offers robots

TOKYO (AP) — Japan, home of the "kawaii" cult of cute, has always had a soft spot for companion robots, in contrast to the more industrial or mechanical types used for assembly lines, surgeries and military missions. The Associated Press spent some time ... ( read original story ...)

Japan turns into cryptocurrency haven as others crack down

TOKYO -- Japan is fast turning into the world's top haven for cryptocurrencies, drawing benefit from a broader clampdown in China and South Korea on the main digital currency, bitcoin. Authorities in Tokyo are walking a tightrope between protecting ... ( read original story ...)

Japan displays documents to defend claims to disputed isles

TOKYO – The Japanese government opened a small museum Thursday displaying maps and documents to defend its territorial claims against neighbors South Korea and China. The Japanese minister in charge of territorial issues, Tetsuma Esaki, said it was ... ( read original story ...)

Bank of Japan is lobbying wrong audience

Haruhiko Kuroda has a communications problem on his hands. It is not the words the Bank of Japan governor is using, though. It is who he is talking to. The BOJ stayed the course on Jan. 23 with the ultra-loose policies Gov. Kuroda rolled out in March 2013 ... ( read original story ...)

Japan PM Abe to attend Pyeongchang Olympics in South Korea

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Wednesday he would attend the Pyeongchang Olympics in South Korea next month, after reports he would not attend due to a dispute over “comfort women” forced to work in Japan’s wartime ... ( read original story ...)