Kecmanovic opens with a win at Osaka Mayor’s Cup

Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic got off to the perfect start at the Osaka Mayor’s Cup on Tuesday, winning his first round matches in both singles and doubles, alongside Turkey’s Ergi Kirkin. The Serb, who is the world No. 3 and top seed in Osaka ... ( read original story ...)

Bach says no need to expand 4-party talks on Tokyo costs

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. Speaking at Tokyo 2020 headquarters, Bach did not address reports ... ( read original story ...)

Bach proposes holding 2020 events in disaster area

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. Speaking at Tokyo 2020 headquarters, Bach did not address reports ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo, Kyoto named best non-American cities by U.S. magazine

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 ...)

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 ...)

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 ...)

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 ...)

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 ...)

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 ...)