Osaka: In the pink at springtime

We get funny looks as we moan blissfully through some of the finest food we've ever eaten. In fact, it turns out that Osaka is the culinary capital of Japan, news that temporarily evaporates thoughts of pink flowers and castles. It was once the centre of ... ( read original story ...)

Japan factory output climbs in June, as inflation stalls

Japan's factory output rose in June ... The relatively upbeat data are a rare piece of good news for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration as it weathers a dip in public approval ratings amid allegations over cronyism and abuse of influence. ( read original story ...)

Japan factory output up in June: govt

Both reports are good news for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who swept to power in late 2012 on a pledge to reignite Japan’s once-booming economy with a policy blitz comprising massive monetary easing, stimulus spending and structural reforms. Japan’s ... ( read original story ...)

N. Korea launches ballistic missile

Abe says Japan will stay on high alert #nhk_world_news https://t.co/ANOvhslnhD — NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) July 28, 2017 Suga, the Japanese spokesman, said Japan has lodged a strong protest with North Korea. “North Korea’s repeated provocative ... ( read original story ...)

Incumbent Yokohama Mayor Hayashi easily wins third term

YOKOHAMA – Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi easily won a third four-year term in Sunday’s mayoral election for the metropolis. The 71-year-old, who had the backing of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, beat ... ( read original story ...)

Incumbent Yokohama Mayor Hayashi on track to secure third term

YOKOHAMA – Incumbent Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi appeared certain to win a third four-year term by defeating two independent candidates in Sunday’s election, according to Kyodo News projections. Hayashi, 71, was running with the support of the ruling ... ( read original story ...)

Incumbent Yokohama Mayor Hayashi certain to secure 3rd term

YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- Incumbent Yokohama Mayor Fumiko Hayashi appeared certain to win a third four-year term by defeating two independent candidates in Sunday's election, according to Kyodo News projections. Hayashi, 71, was running with support from the ... ( read original story ...)

Japan venture ends rocket launch after communications glitch

The launch of a rocket by a private Japanese venture was cut short after liftoff Sunday due to a communications failure. Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch, applauding as the rocket took off from a launching pad on Japan's northern main island of ... ( read original story ...)

Private Japanese rocket launch aborted shortly after takeoff

TOKYO -- The launch of a rocket by a private Japanese venture was cut short after liftoff Sunday due to a communications failure. Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch, applauding as the rocket took off from a launching pad on Japan's northern main ... ( read original story ...)