Japan has unveiled its final six contenders for the role of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games mascots - and only children are getting the final say. The organising committee selected three sets of finalists from more than 2,000 entries submitted by ... ( read original story ...)
Nagoya urged to install elevator in castle keep for disabled visitors
NAGOYA--The city authorities have been slammed by disabled people ... secretary-general of the forum, told a news conference. “We want it to be designed so that everybody can enjoy visiting it without anxiety.” The group organizes people with ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo priest killed with samurai sword in stabbings that left 2 others dead
TOKYO — The head priest of a prominent shrine in Tokyo was ambushed and killed with a samurai sword, apparently by her brother, who then took his own life, police said Friday. A female accomplice also died in the attack, and the priest’s driver was ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo 2020 unveil bug-eyed Olympic mascot hopefuls
There was more bad news in October when Olympic organisers admitted that prolonged summer rain had brought high levels of bacteria to a venue earmarked for triathlon and open water swimming. While Tokyo has taken successful measures to reduce costs ... ( read original story ...)
Knife attack at Tokyo shrine: Three people dead, one injured
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, who reviewed the area’s security ... a shorter sword and two survival knives, Japanese news agency Kyodo News reported. The police are now trying to establish the exact motive for the attack, but the family ... ( read original story ...)
Canada wins three medals at figure skating Grand Prix
NAGOYA, Japan -- Canadians won three medals at the ISU Grand Prix Final on Saturday, the last major international figure skating event before the Olympic Winter Games in February. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir took the silver in ice dancing while Meagan ... ( read original story ...)
Russian teenager Alina Zagitova wins Grand Prix Final
NAGOYA, Japan (AP) — Alina Zagitova performed a near-flawless free skate on Saturday to win the figure skating Grand Prix Final. Skating to Don Quixote, the 15-year-old world junior champion from Russia placed all seven of her jumps in the second half of ... ( read original story ...)
Japan, U.S., South Korea to hold missile tracking drill amid North Korea crisis
TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States, Japan and South Korea will hold two days of missile tracking drills this week, Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force said on Sunday, as tensions rise in the region over North Korea's fast-developing weapons programs. ( read original story ...)
Canada wins three medals at Grand Prix Final, last event before Olympics
NAGOYA, Japan – Canadians won three medals at the ISU Grand Prix Final on Saturday, the last major international figure skating event before the Olympic Winter Games in February. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir took the silver in ice dancing while Meagan ... ( read original story ...)
Canada’s Osmond first after short program at skating Grand Prix finale
NAGOYA, Japan – Canada’s Kaetlyn Osmond executed a near-perfect performance Friday to take first place in the women’s short program at the ISU Grand Prix Final figure skating event. The 22-year-old from Marystown, N.L., landed a triple-triple ... ( read original story ...)
In deal as big as NAFTA, EU and Japan agree to free trade
The European Union and Japan have agreed terms for a free trade deal liberalizing almost all trade between the bloc and the world's third-largest economy. It is the largest free trade deal struck by the EU, bringing together economies representing ... ( read original story ...)
Figureskating: Canada’s Osmond takes surprise lead in Grand Prix Final
NAGOYA, Japan (Reuters) - Canada’s Kaetlyn Osmond took a surprise lead in the women’s short program at the Grand Prix Final on Friday, edging ahead of Russian teenager Alina Zagitova by less than a point. Osmond hit a seasonal best with 77.04 after her ... ( read original story ...)
Japan seeks longer-range cruise missiles amid North Korea threat
as 'stand-off' missiles that can be fired beyond the range of enemy threats," he told a news conference. The JSM has a range of about 500km. Japan also plans to arms its US-made F-15 fighters with the US-made Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM-ER ... ( read original story ...)
Osaka regales top World Expo official, but concerns linger over hosting 2025 event
OSAKA – In an attempted display of local enthusiasm for the 2025 World Expo, Osaka rolled out the red carpet this week for a senior official from the organization that will decide next November who will host the event. But with the central government ... ( read original story ...)
Japanese firm to use drone to force overtime staff to go home
Japan has for years been trying to curb excessive overtime and ... and hear Auld Lang Syne along with the buzz," Norihiro Kato, a director at Taisei, told news agency AFP. Taisei plans to start the drone service in April 2018 as a trial within their ... ( read original story ...)
Japan to acquire air-launched missiles able to strike North Korea
"We are planning to introduce the JSM (Joint Strike Missile) that will be mounted on the F-35A (stealth fighter) as 'stand-off' missiles that can be fired beyond the range of enemy threats," Onodera told a news conference. Japan is also looking to mount ... ( read original story ...)