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 ...)

Gamba Osaka bans fans for displaying controversial banner

TOKYO — Gamba Osaka has banned a group of fans who displayed a banner with a logo resembling a Nazi symbol during a J-League game. The banner, which resembled a symbol derived from the SS of Nazi Germany, was displayed at the team's April 16 match away ... ( read original story ...)

Putin hosts Japan's Abe in Moscow, discuss disputed islands

MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for talks in Moscow. This is the two leaders' third meeting in the past seven months after Putin went on a state visit to Japan in December and Abe met Putin in ... ( read original story ...)

Putin, Japan's Abe discuss economy on disputed islands

Putin's foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian news agencies at the end of the talks that Putin and Abe did not discuss what could be done to get North Korea to drop its nuclear program. Russian President Vladimir Putin, center right, and Japanese ... ( read original story ...)

Russia, Japan call for talks, calm with North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday called on North Korea and other countries to avoid behavior or rhetoric that could increase tensions around Pyongyang’s nuclear program. Speaking at a news conference in ... ( read original story ...)

Japan stays 72nd on press freedom list but falls to last in G-7

Reporters Without Borders has criticized Japanese media outlets’ self-censorship and surrender of their independence. Last year, three TV news anchors who had been critical of Abe’s government stepped down. In the same year, the watchdog downgraded ... ( read original story ...)

Japan, China to resume bilateral dialogue on finance in May

Japan and China are planning to discuss financial issues on May 7 in Yokohama in the first session of the bilateral dialogue in nearly two years, sources said Wednesday, reflecting a recent thaw in relations. Finance Minister Taro Aso and his Chinese ... ( read original story ...)

Japan ranks last among G-7 for press freedom, 72nd in world

PARIS--Japan slipped into last place for press freedom among the ... Under the heading “The threat from Shinzo Abe,” the RSF mentioned the replacements of popular TV news anchors who were critical of the Abe administration. The report said there ... ( read original story ...)