Japan's third-quarter growth rate revised down sharply

Japan's economy grew much slower than initially estimated in the third quarter of the year, figures have revealed, as business investment fell. The Cabinet Office said the economy grew 1.3% in the three months to the end of September, compared to the same ... ( read original story ...)

Romantic Spots for Couples in Osaka

From famous spots such as Osaka Castle and Universal Studios, to local food specialties such as Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) and Takoyaki (octopus balls), Osaka has plenty to offer! Whether you’re first-time or returning visitors, Osaka will ... ( read original story ...)

Nagoya looks to turn adversity to advantage after dismal survey

Requests for interviews with Kawamura also grew in number, officials said. During a news conference Nov. 21, the mayor referred to his pet argument for restoring Nagoya Castle’s main keep to its original wooden structure as a powerful means for building ... ( read original story ...)

Automatic golf carts for Japanese elderly

A city in western Japan has introduced a free automated golf cart service for its elderly residents in a bid to stop a rising tide of traffic accidents. In the first such service on Japan's roads, the carts travel along a 3km (two mile) route around Wajima ... ( read original story ...)

Japan Inc warns of trade under Trump

Corporate Japan is bracing for a rocky ride under incoming US President Donald Trump, with a Reuters poll showing well over a third of firms seeing a contraction in global trade as concerns about a rise in US protectionism threaten to shatter a fragile ... ( read original story ...)

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 ...)

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 ...)