Kompany returns for Belgium against Japan

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (Reuters) - Belgium central defender Vincent Kompany returned to the lineup to face Japan in their World Cup last 16 clash on Monday for his first start at the tournament after picking up a groin strain in a warm-up match a month ago. ( read original story ...)

TOKYO | Bank of Japan survey shows corporate sentiment worsening

TOKYO — A central bank survey released Monday showed Japan’s corporate outlook has worsened from three months ago, highlighting risks to this export-reliant economy from trade tensions. The Bank of Japan’s “tankan” survey measuring confidence ... ( read original story ...)

Japan Christian sites added to UNESCO World Heritage list

A dozen Christian locations in parts of southern Japan where members of the faith were once brutally persecuted were selected for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list on Saturday. The 12 sites include 10 villages, Hara Castle and Oura Cathedral ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s plan at the World Cup is to play like … Japan

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AP) — The plan is to play like Japan. The hope is to beat Belgium. The Japanese will face Belgium in the round of 16 at the World Cup on Monday, an underdog against one of the favorites. "We are faced in this stage with new ... ( read original story ...)

World’s Biggest Trading Bloc a Step Closer After Tokyo Meeting

Ministers from the 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which includes China, Japan and India but not the U.S., met in Tokyo on Sunday to try and thrash out remaining differences. “The path toward a year-end agreement is now clearer ... ( read original story ...)

Taiwan airlines offer new services to Chiang Mai, Nagoya

Meanwhile, Taiwan's budget carrier Tigerair Taiwan launched a scheduled charter route from Kaohsiung to Japan's Nagoya on Sunday at a ceremony hosted by Joyce Huang (黃世惠), the airline's chief business officer, at Kaohsiung International Airport. ( read original story ...)

Rocket bursts into flames after liftoff in Japan

TV footage captured Saturday’s crash on Japan’s northernmost island. Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies is investigating why its 33-foot rocket failed. "We could not accomplish what we were expected to do. I feel sorry for that," said Takahiro ... ( read original story ...)

Rocket fails, explodes seconds after launch for Japanese startup

A rocket developed by a Japanese startup company burst into flames seconds after a failed liftoff Saturday in northern Japan. The MOMO-2 rocket, developed by Interstellar Technologies, was launched in Taiki town on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. ( read original story ...)