Sapporo issues cards to verify LGBT partnerships

SAPPORO – The city of Sapporo began issuing cards serving as proof of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender partnerships on Friday, responding to calls from couples seeking portable evidence they can present in emergencies and other situations. The city ... ( read original story ...)

Japan navy spots NKorea tanker suspected of illegal transfer

TOKYO – Japan's Foreign Ministry says a Japanese warship has spotted a North Korean tanker and another tanker with a Korean name apparently transferring fuel on the open seas in violation of U.N. sanctions. The ministry said in a statement Friday that ... ( read original story ...)

The Latest: Keys tops Osaka to reach French Open’s 4th round

The 13th-seeded American built a big lead then barely avoided getting pushed to a third set before beating 21st-seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan 6-1, 7-6 (7) in a matchup of powerful baseliners. Keys compiled a 30-8 edge in winners and started quickly ... ( read original story ...)

Japan store bars wine from Golan Heights after protests

TOKYO – A major Japanese department store has removed a vendor specializing in wine from Israel's occupied Golan Heights after protests from citizens' groups. Daimaru store says it has withdrawn its offer for Naturael, a Tokyo-based importer specializing ... ( read original story ...)

Shark warning signs posted at Makaha, Yokohama beaches

Shark warning signs have been posted at Makaha and Yokohama beaches after a sighting and apparent shark bite. The sighting happened Thursday about a half mile off of Yokohama Bay. It followed an apparent shark bite on Wednesday evening. Ocean Safety ... ( read original story ...)

Yokohama looks to Tom Wisman for renewal

Yokohama fought off demotion to the second division for the ... is one of 40 expected attendees for the upcoming NBA Global Camp 2018, the NBA announced in a news release on Wednesday. The ca... Steve Clifford was there the last time the Orlando Magic ... ( read original story ...)

Japan, Vietnam agree on maritime safety cooperation

TOKYO – Leaders of Japan and Vietnam have agreed to bolster cooperation in maritime safety and defense as they expressed shared concern over China's growing activity in the South China Sea. Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang (CHAN DIE KWANG) and ... ( read original story ...)

Japan To Seek U.S. Opinion On Keeping Oil Imports From Iran

Japan could seek some kind of exemption from the returning U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports, as its companies don’t want to abruptly stop importing Iranian crude, an official at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) told S&P ... ( read original story ...)

Japan, Vietnam agree on maritime safety co-operation

TOKYO — Leaders of Japan and Vietnam have agreed to bolster co-operation in maritime safety and defence as they expressed shared concern over China’s growing activity in the South China Sea. Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang (CHAN DIE KWANG ... ( read original story ...)

Soccer: Nishino opts for experienced Japan World Cup squad

So the idea is to have a mix of experienced players and the young players,” Nishino said at a news conference in Tokyo, without specifying why the trio had been omitted. Ideguchi and Asano’s non-selection means that the players who secured Japan’s ... ( read original story ...)

Japan coach plays it safe in naming 23-man World Cup squad

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan coach Akira Nishino is relying heavily on veteran players with previous World Cup experience in his 23-man squad for the tournament. Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki were among almost a dozen named Thursday who ... ( read original story ...)

Olympics: Tokyo 2020 marathon to end with grueling incline

TOKYO (Reuters) - The route for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics marathon was announced on Thursday with the main feature being a steep incline to finish the race at the newly built Olympic stadium. The route will pass through many of the city’s historic and ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo stocks open higher on hopes for Italian politics

TOKYO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Thursday as investor sentiment improved on reports that Italy's political situation could move past a deadlock and avoid a snap election as two populist parties may unite to form a government. As of 9:15 ... ( read original story ...)