Rugby: Tributes paid as former Japan captain Hirao dies at 53

He will be greatly missed." Former Japan international and member of the World Rugby Hall of Fame Yoshihiro Sakata said, "It is very sad news. He was such an important person and was so young." Japan Rugby Football Union chairman Noriyuki Sakamoto said ... ( read original story ...)

Japanese Yaskawa to build robot factory in Slovenia: PM

State news agency STA reported that the investment was likely to ... Consumer electronics producer Panasonic [6752.T] is another Japanese company which might increase its investment in Slovenia. Last month it completed due diligence on Slovenian household ... ( read original story ...)

Nissan CEO to become chairman of Mitsubishi Motors: reports

TOKYO - Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Japan's Nissan Motor, was due to hold a news conference Thursday amid reports he will become chairman of Mitsubishi Motors, presiding over efforts to turn the troubled automaker around. The Brazilian-born Frenchman, who already ... ( read original story ...)

Forget Paris, focus on Tokyo, Japan fashion told

Tokyo may be the style capital of Asia, but with South Korea and China snapping at its heels and Japan's most iconic brands rooted in Europe, the city is being urged to haul its fashion week into the big leagues. Tokyo Fashion Week kicked off its spring ... ( read original story ...)

Nissan CEO to become chairman of Mitsubishi Motors

TOKYO - Carlos Ghosn, CEO and chairman of Japan's Nissan Motor ... we will give our absolute commitment to support Mitsubishi Motors," Ghosn said at a joint news conference by the two companies. "We are sending a clear message we believe in the underlying ... ( read original story ...)

Thomas Bach Reminds Tokyo to Stick With Current Venue Plans

the Asahi newspaper reported, quoting unidentified Japanese sources as saying. The South Korean venue in Chungiu City hosted the 2013 world championships and rowing at the 2014 Asian Games. Asked about the report at Tokyo's Haneda airport, Bach said ... ( read original story ...)

Extensive blackout in Tokyo hits trains, government offices

Traffic lights were also temporarily out in some locations in Tokyo. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that officials are looking into the cause of the incidents, but did not answer when asked about a possible sabotage ... ( read original story ...)

Why is Tokyo burying bikes?

In Tokyo, 14% of commuting traffic is on bike, according to the Japanese Transport Ministry. But you'd never guess it. That's because the Japanese capital is burying thousands of bikes in underground parking vaults, in a bid to keep its sidewalks tidy. ( read original story ...)

IOC Chair to meet Tokyo governor to discuss venue for 2020 Games

TOKYO - International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is set to meet Tokyo's outspoken governor pushing for changes to some of the planned venues for the 2020 Games. Bach arrived Tuesday in Japan amid growing tension between Olympic organizers and ... ( read original story ...)

Light earthquake: M4.4 quake has struck near Katsuura in Japan

A light earthquake magnitude 4.4 (ml/mb) strikes 161 km ESE of Katsuura, Japan (100 miles) on Friday. Exact location of earthquake, 141.8436° East, 34.4322° North, depth 10 km. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6 miles). A tsunami warning has ... ( read original story ...)