Japan-Russian oil exploration project meets with U.S. resistance

A Japanese group’s plans to explore for Russian oil with state-run Rosneft PJSC have been stymied by U.S. intervention over sanctions, according to people familiar with the matter. Washington’s objection to the Japanese project to explore for oil in ... ( read original story ...)

Japan PM Abe’s support slides further, new poll shows

TOKYO (Reuters) - Support for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ... according to a public opinion survey on July 7 to 10 by Jiji news agency. "We cannot trust the prime minister" was the main reason, given by 67.3 percent, for his loss of popularity ... ( read original story ...)

Japan PM Abe’s support slides below 30 percent, new poll shows

Support for Abe's government fell 15.2 points from a month earlier to 29.9 percent, according to a July 7-10 survey by Jiji news agency. Support for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, battered by a smouldering scandal and voters' perception he is taking ... ( read original story ...)

Japan star Kagawa extends Dortmund contract until 2020

TOKYO (AP) — Japan star Shinji Kagawa has extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund by two years until June 2020. Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc says "Shinji feels a very strong connection to this club, the city and our fans." The 28-year-old ... ( read original story ...)

Japanese recount memories of ‘noble’ Liu

Those in Japan who knew Chinese Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo expressed shock Friday at news of his death, saying he was a noble man who dedicated his life to pursuing liberal democratic reform. “I wanted him to live a little longer — at least until ... ( read original story ...)

Soccer: Japan international Honda signs for Mexican club Pachuca

(Reuters) - Japan attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda has joined Mexican side Pachuca, the CONCACAF Champions League holders announced on Friday, two months after leaving AC Milan as a free agent. "I have just signed for Pachuca and I'm very happy," Honda ... ( read original story ...)

Japan spikers down Thailand again in World Grand Prix

Japan beat Thailand again on Friday as the two volleyball teams moved their battle for a place in the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix to Sendai. The Japanese women won 3-1 (25-19, 17-25, 25-18, 25-19) against their Asian rivals as the Pool D1 competition kicked ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s June exports seen extending solid gains

Japan and much of the export-reliant Asian economies have benefited ... a senior investment strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, told Bloomberg News. Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index inched up 0.09 percent, or 19.05 points, to ... ( read original story ...)

TEPCO chair: Nuclear plant must release contaminated water

TOKYO — The new chairman of Tokyo Electric Power Co. says ... near Fukushima Dai-Ichi, will depend on a financial review. He said he regrets TEPCO’s slowness in making a decision and acknowledged calls from local authorities and residents to ... ( read original story ...)

Nikkei edges up, marks weekly gain ahead of holiday

TOKYO, July 14 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average edged up on Friday as disappointing earnings from Fast Retailing, the world's third largest apparel retailer, offset gains made after Wall Street pushed higher. The Nikkei index finished up 0.1 ... ( read original story ...)

Nikkei edges up, shares stay on track for weekly gains

TOKYO, July 14 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average edged up on Friday and remained on track for a robust weekly gain, though investors grew cautious ahead of a long holiday weekend. The Nikkei index was up 0.2 percent at 20,144.82 at the end of ... ( read original story ...)