Japan navy dispatches destroyer Izumo to escort U.S. warships

TOKYO -- Japan's navy has dispatched its largest destroyer reportedly tasked with escorting U.S. military ships off the Japanese coast amid heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula. The helicopter carrier Izumo departed the Yokosuka port near Tokyo ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo jeweler offers gold Darth Vader mask for $1.4M

TOKYO -- Star Wars fans might consider it a golden opportunity. Tokyo jeweler Ginza Tanaka is offering a life-size Darth Vader mask made of 24-karat gold at a hefty price of 154 million yen (US$1.4 million) to mark the 40th anniversary of the release of ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo jeweler offers gold Darth Vader masks for $1.4 million

TOKYO (AP) — Star Wars fans with deep pockets might consider it a golden opportunity. A Tokyo jewelry store is offering life-size Darth Vader masks made of 24-karat gold at a hefty price of 154 million yen ($1.4 million) to mark the 40th anniversary of ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo jeweler offers gold Darth Vader mask for $1.4 million

Star Wars fans might consider it a golden opportunity. Tokyo jeweler Ginza Tanaka is offering a life-size Darth Vader mask made of 24-karat gold at a hefty price of 154 million yen ($1.4 million) to mark the 40th anniversary of the release of the first ... ( read original story ...)

Japan destroyer leaves port reportedly to escort US warships

TOKYO – Japan's navy has dispatched its largest destroyer reportedly tasked with escorting U.S. military ships off the Japanese coast amid heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula. The helicopter carrier Izumo departed the Yokosuka port near Tokyo ... ( read original story ...)

Fears grow in Japan over North Korean missile capabilities

While Japanese tabloids and television programs have reported on nuclear shelters ordered by a handful of rich people or touted gas masks as a more affordable option, it's largely business as usual in Fussa, a town of 58,000 people in Tokyo's western suburbs. ( read original story ...)

Japan sends destroyer to escort US vessels

east of Tokyo, Kyodo News agency reported. It is Japan's first such operation since it passed controversial legislation allowing the military to expand its role overseas. Critics say the laws violate Japan's pacifist constitution as article 9 of the ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's largest travel agency wants to overwhelm Asia

Q: What is the overall picture of the company's global business? A: We have 423 bases of operation, including our offices and partners' outlets, in 108 cities in 37 countries and regions. We are giving great importance to not only handling Japanese ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's Abe cautions against Brexit regulation cliff edge

LONDON Japan's Shinzo Abe called on Prime Minister Theresa May to ensure a smooth transition for business as the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, to avoid a cliff edge where rules and regulations for firms change overnight. A day after talks with ... ( read original story ...)

Japan sends biggest warship to protect US supply vessel

The 249m-long Izumo can carry up to nine helicopters, and resembles US amphibious assault carriers, reported The Japan Times. Kyodo news agency said it was leaving its base in Yokosuka south of Tokyo to join the US supply ship, and accompany it to Shikoku ... ( read original story ...)

N. Korea missile fears in Japan: 'Whatever will be, will be'

"We thought North Korean missiles would never reach Japan, but after all these tests, they now seem routine. Eventually, one of them might come flying." Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi Find her work on AP News ... ( read original story ...)