Japan sends destroyer to escort US vessels

east of Tokyo, Kyodo News agency reported. It is Japan's first such operation since it passed controversial legislation allowing the military to expand its role overseas. Critics say the laws violate Japan's pacifist constitution as article 9 of the ... ( read original story ...)

Japan sends biggest warship to protect US supply vessel

The 249m-long Izumo can carry up to nine helicopters, and resembles US amphibious assault carriers, reported The Japan Times. Kyodo news agency said it was leaving its base in Yokosuka south of Tokyo to join the US supply ship, and accompany it to Shikoku ... ( read original story ...)

N. Korea missile fears in Japan: 'Whatever will be, will be'

"We thought North Korean missiles would never reach Japan, but after all these tests, they now seem routine. Eventually, one of them might come flying." Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi Find her work on AP News ... ( read original story ...)

Challenges ahead of Nagoya Castle’s repair project

WHEN Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603, had feudal lords build castles across the nation, Nagoya Castle was one of them. The castle tower was rebuilt using reinforced concrete after WW2. This spring, the Nagoya municipal ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo Briefly Halts Subway Trains After North Korea Missile Test

Tokyo Metro Co. Ltd. stopped services shortly after 6 a.m. as part of measures adopted this month under which services are halted after reports of a North Korean missile launch until confirming that it’s safe to operate, Kyodo News said, citing the operator. ( read original story ...)

Tokyo cruise offers a step back in time

A new Tokyo Bay samurai-themed cruise ship fashioned after those used by feudal lords back in the Edo Period (1603-1868) promises tourists visiting the nation’s capital an interesting contrast between modernity and tradition. The Atakemaru, which is 49.7 ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's Abe warns of 'confusion' without Brexit deal

London - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday urged Britain and the European Union to secure a "smooth and transparent" separation, saying that open trade in Europe was "a matter of concern to the world". Abe met British Prime Minister Theresa ... ( read original story ...)

Japan to expedite study on adopting land-based Aegis system

According to the sources, THAAD costs about ¥125 billion ($1.1 billion) for each unit, and Japan would need around six units to protect the whole country. An Aegis Ashore unit costs about ¥80 billion and only two would be needed to cover the same amount ... ( read original story ...)

Japan's Abe says wants to resolve peace treaty issue with Russia

LONDON Japan wants to resolve a territorial row that has over-shadowed ties with Russia since World War Two, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday. "A peace treaty between Japan and Russia has not been concluded yet, even after 70 years have passed ... ( read original story ...)

The Latest: Tokyo subway temporarily closed over N. Korea

Tokyo Metro official Hiroshi Takizawa says the temporary suspension ... north of Pyongyang, the capital. He spoke at a news conference following a meeting of Japan's National Security Council. 9:45 a.m. France's U.N. ambassador says the U.N. Security ... ( read original story ...)