Why being a Yakuza gang member isn't illegal in Japan

Japan's organised crime syndicates, the Yakuza, are estimated to earn billions every year from loan-sharking, real-estate scams, drugs and protection. Some members have moved on from traditional activities to harder-to-detect financial crimes. One ... ( read original story ...)

Japan kindergarten apologises after possible hate-speech comment

TOKYO, Feb 21 (Reuters) - A Japanese kindergarten that has ties to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's wife, Akie, has apologised over online comments that domestic media described as possible hate speech against Koreans and Chinese people. The private Tsukamoto ... ( read original story ...)

Guide to Reading Japanese Place Names: With Kanji and Examples

中央区 (Chuo-ku): Central Ward, one of the central wards in Tokyo and Osaka. 中区 (Naka-ku): Central Ward in Yokohama and Nagoya. 中央線 (JR Chūō Line): The Central Line that runs east-west through Tokyo and the western suburbs. 中目黒 (Naka ... ( read original story ...)

Continua: Telehealth Platform Saved Lives After Japan Earthquake

February 21, 2017 - A four-year study of survivors of the 2011 Japan earthquake has found that a remote monitoring platform conforming to Continua standards can reduce cardiac stress and improve long-term patient monitoring. "Study authors concluded that D ... ( read original story ...)

Japan zoo kills 57 snow monkeys due to 'alien genes'

Junkichi Mima, a spokesman for conservation group WWF Japan told AFP news agency that invasive species cause problems "because they get mixed in with indigenous animals and threaten the natural environment and ecosystem". ( read original story ...)

Tokyo shares open higher as automakers, banks rise

A weaker yen generally makes Japanese exports more competitive overseas and lifts the Tokyo market. In share trading, Toyota rose 0.37 percent to 6,456 yen while banking giant Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group was up 0.61 percent to sit at 772.5 yen. ( read original story ...)

Tokyo shares close up on automaker, bank rally

A weaker yen generally makes Japanese exports more competitive overseas and lifts the Tokyo market. Toyota rose 0.71 percent to 6,478 yen, while banking giant Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group was up 0.80 percent at 774 yen. Toshiba fell 1.39 percent to 183.7 ... ( read original story ...)

Money-losing Toshiba selling medical leasing unit to Canon

Toshiba said Tuesday it is selling its entire 65 per cent stake in Toshiba Medical Finance Co. to Canon, a Japanese camera maker, effective March 31. Tokyo-based Toshiba has been in talks with Canon since late last year on the sale. Toshiba, which owns U.S ... ( read original story ...)

Insider's View: Gamba Osaka

After a disappointing 2016 ACL campaign, the 2008 winners are hoping to halt a general slide when they visit Coopers Stadium on Wednesday night Gamba Osaka coach Kenta Hasegawa has been trialling a back three in an attempt to improve his side's defensive ... ( read original story ...)

Japan wins 4 gold in speed skating at Asian Winter Games

SAPPORO, Japan -- Japan claimed four gold medals in speed skating and China won two on the short track at the Asian Winter Games on Tuesday. Nao Kodaira of Japan earned her second gold of the Sapporo Games by beating two-time Olympic champion Lee Sang-hwa ... ( read original story ...)

Japan kindergarten apologizes after possible hate-speech comment

western Japan, has been visited by Akie Abe and is operated by Moritomo Gakuen, an educational institution that plans to open an elementary school in April with the prime minister's wife as honorary principal. Kyodo news agency reported on Friday that the ... ( read original story ...)