NEW YORK – Tokyo and Kyoto have been picked as the world’s best and second-best cities outside the United States, the U.S. travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler said Tuesday. Its readers cast more than 100,000 votes in the 2016 poll. Japan’s current ... ( read original story ...)
2020 Olympics: Bach ducks touchy question in Tokyo
TOKYO: International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach on Wednesday (Oct 19) dodged questions over reports some Tokyo 2020 events could be held in South Korea, a move which would further embarrass beleaguered Games organisers. The IOC is considering ... ( read original story ...)
Olympic president to meet Tokyo governor to discuss venue
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 Tokyo Gov. ( read original story ...)
IOC, Tokyo 2020 discuss venue ideas
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has proposed that some Tokyo 2020 Olympics events should be held in the northeastern region devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. Tokyo's Olympic bid pledged that ... ( read original story ...)
Japan begins discussions on emperor's abdication
A panel in Japan has begun discussions on the possible abdication of Emperor Akihito. The 82-year-old emperor said in July that his age was making it hard for him to fulfil his duties. Abdication is not mentioned under Japan's existing laws, so they will ... ( read original story ...)
Japan panel begins to study emperor's possible abdication
Unlike many European countries where abdication of kings and queens are relatively common, Japan's modern imperial law doesn't allow abdication, and Japan's postwar constitution stipulates the emperor as a mere "symbol" with no political power or say. ( read original story ...)
Japan lawmakers' group visits Yasukuni shrine for war dead
seen in China and the two Koreas as a symbol of Japan's past militarism. Kyodo news agency said about 80 lawmakers visited the shrine. Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki sent an aide to represent him, an official at Shiozaki's office said. ( read original story ...)
Ex-Yankee Hiroki Kuroda to retire after Japan Series
The series starts Saturday. "The Japan Series will be the end. I've decided to hang it up," Kuroda said, according to the Kyodo News. “I’ve been shown an excellent dream with an excellent team. "And now I want to go out with a smile on my face ... ( read original story ...)
Dozens of Japan lawmakers visit controversial war shrine
Tokyo: Dozens of Japanese lawmakers visited a controversial war shrine Tuesday, in an annual pilgrimage that drew an angry response from Seoul which sees it as a painful reminder of Tokyo’s warring past. The group of about 85 politicians arrived at the ... ( read original story ...)
Japan, Brazil to cooperate on infrastructure development
In particular, there is a large investment opportunity in the area of infrastructure," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a joint news conference with Temer. "I'm really glad we've managed to agree to launch talks on infrastructure development." ( read original story ...)
Espresso yourself! Japan perks up to 'sexy' coffee
Need a pick-me-up? Try a lychee-flavoured coffee infused with jasmine, or a 'Chardonnay' espresso served in a wine glass -- whatever your taste, Japan's swashbuckling baristas are bringing some serious sex appeal to the drink. In a country famous for its ... ( read original story ...)
Suicide of woman who worked 105 extra hours in a month prompts Japanese ad agency to cut overtime
The suicide of a woman who worked excessive hours at Japan’s biggest advertising agency has prompted the company to lower the amount of overtime employees can book. From November, workers at Dentsu Inc. won’t be able to log more than 65 hours of ... ( read original story ...)