Resurgent Japan military 'can stand toe to toe with anybody'

Kyle Mizokami, editor of the Japan Security Watch blog and a contributor to US Naval Institute News, says it is Japan's alliance with the US that makes it such a formidable power in 2016. "The United States and Japan are the two closest military powers in ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's defense chief says alliance with US will endure

She noted that Japan is the only country in the world to have experienced the horrors of nuclear war. Inada spoke at a joint news conference Wednesday with U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter. The Pentagon chief noted that the meeting was taking place on the ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo Olympic officials determined to keep costs low

TOKYO—Hoping to avoid last-minute financial pressures, Japanese officials said Nov. 30 they are determined to keep total costs of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games below 2 trillion yen ($18 billion) after a three-day debriefing from organizers of the Rio de ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo stocks open higher, tracking global gains

Tokyo stocks opened higher on Wednesday following another record close on Wall Street after Paris stocks reached the year's highest level and Italian banks surged. Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose 0.40 percent, or 73.45 points, at 18,433.99 in the ... ( read original story ...)

Mamelodi Sundowns ready for business in Japan

Mamelodi Sundowns arrived safely in Osaka last night and received an official welcome from the FIFA delegates. The Brazilians flew a total of 22 hours via Hong Kong before they arrived at their destination for the Club World Cup in Japan. Captain Hlompho ... ( read original story ...)

IOC approves venues for 5 new sports in 2020 Tokyo Games

LAUSANNE, Switzerland -- Yokohama Stadium will host the baseball and softball competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Yokohama was among the venues approved Wednesday by the IOC executive board for the five new sports on the Tokyo program, along with ... ( read original story ...)

Sapporo City

Sapporo is the largest city in the northernmost main island of Hokkaido, with a population of 1.9 million. The city is a popular destination for Japanese and international travelers alike, who flock to the city for uniquely local cultural events such as ... ( read original story ...)

Japanese leader Abe won't apologize at Pearl Harbor

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won't apologize for Japan's attack when he visits the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor later this month, the government spokesman said Tuesday. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that "the purpose of the upcoming ... ( read original story ...)

Japan business mood brightens as yen weakens: Reuters Tankan

TOKYO Japanese manufacturers' confidence rose for a fourth straight month to a 16-month high in December and the service sector's mood also rose, a Reuters poll showed, with a weaker yen brightening prospects for exporters. The monthly Reuters Tankan ... ( read original story ...)