Despite Japan’s best efforts, births hit new low

Japan had 946,060 births in 2017 ... Babies born to foreign mothers increased 25% to 185,000 in 2017, accounting for nearly a quarter of all births. Nikkei staff writers Jun Ishikawa in Berlin and Manabu Morimoto in Brussels contributed to this report. ( read original story ...)

Sapporo issues cards to verify LGBT partnerships

SAPPORO – The city of Sapporo began issuing cards serving as proof of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender partnerships on Friday, responding to calls from couples seeking portable evidence they can present in emergencies and other situations. The city ... ( read original story ...)

Japan navy spots NKorea tanker suspected of illegal transfer

TOKYO – Japan's Foreign Ministry says a Japanese warship has spotted a North Korean tanker and another tanker with a Korean name apparently transferring fuel on the open seas in violation of U.N. sanctions. The ministry said in a statement Friday that ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s Nikkei bounces back as fears about Italy recede

TOKYO, May 31 (Reuters) - Japan’s Nikkei share average on Thursday bounced back from a six-week low as worries over Italy’s political crisis receded. The Nikkei rose 0.83 percent to 22,201.82. On Wednesday, it hit 21,931.65, the lowest since April 18. ( read original story ...)

Japan’s automakers feel the chill as Trump-Abe bromance cools

The U.S. president's newly-floated 25% tariff on imported autos has industry executives from Japan to Germany reconsidering their American consumer calculus. Sure, Nissan's move, reported by Nikkei on Tuesday, seems partly about reducing inventories and ... ( read original story ...)

The Latest: Keys tops Osaka to reach French Open’s 4th round

The 13th-seeded American built a big lead then barely avoided getting pushed to a third set before beating 21st-seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan 6-1, 7-6 (7) in a matchup of powerful baseliners. Keys compiled a 30-8 edge in winners and started quickly ... ( read original story ...)

Japan store bars wine from Golan Heights after protests

TOKYO – A major Japanese department store has removed a vendor specializing in wine from Israel's occupied Golan Heights after protests from citizens' groups. Daimaru store says it has withdrawn its offer for Naturael, a Tokyo-based importer specializing ... ( read original story ...)

Ministry officials not to be indicted in Moritomo land scandal

The Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office decided not to indict Finance Ministry officials for altering their approved documents on the sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen. The officials include Nobuhisa Sagawa, 60, former ... ( read original story ...)

Shark warning signs posted at Makaha, Yokohama beaches

Shark warning signs have been posted at Makaha and Yokohama beaches after a sighting and apparent shark bite. The sighting happened Thursday about a half mile off of Yokohama Bay. It followed an apparent shark bite on Wednesday evening. Ocean Safety ... ( read original story ...)

Vietnam values business, diplomatic ties with Japan

Viet Nam always considers the Japanese business community a leading strategic partner in the process of restructuring its economy, as well as in improving the growth, quality and competitiveness of the country, said State President Tran Dai Quang at the ... ( read original story ...)