Japan’s economy finds its ‘sweet spot’

That was significantly higher than analysts had predicted and means Japan has now recorded six straight quarters of expansion. The world's third largest economy hasn't seen such sustained growth since 2006, and analysts largely anticipate more good news. ( read original story ...)

Baby giant panda healthy at 2 months old, Tokyo zoo says

TOKYO - At 2 months old, Japan's baby giant panda sports a healthy coat of its distinctive black and white fur but still can't stand on its own. Video released Monday by Ueno Zoo in Tokyo shows the female cub crawling on her belly as her much larger mother ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo zoo says its baby giant panda healthy at 2 months old

TOKYO (AP) — At 2 months old, Japan's baby giant panda sports a healthy coat of its distinctive black and white fur but still can't stand on its own. Video released Monday by Ueno Zoo in Tokyo shows the female cub crawling on her belly as her much larger ... ( read original story ...)

Japan economy grows at 4 percent annual pace in April-June

The upbeat news failed to boost Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index, however, which fell 0.8 percent as the Japanese yen gained against the U.S. dollar. The yen has strengthened in recent days as tensions over North Korea's nuclear program have risen. ( read original story ...)

Japan moves its PAC-3 missile to the west of the country

Japan has begun moving its defence system to the west of the country after North Korea announced plans to launch ballistic missiles into the water near the US Pacific territory of Guam. The four PAC-3 surface-to-air interceptors have been brought in from ... ( read original story ...)

Pliskova reaches Rogers Cup quarters after Osaka retires

TORONTO (Reuters) - Karolina Pliskova continued to settle in to her new role as world number one, moving into the quarter-finals of the Rogers Cup when Japanese teenager Naomi Osaka was forced to retire with an abdominal injury on Thursday. The 19-year-old ... ( read original story ...)

Pliskova into quarters after Osaka retires

But Osaka would not be rattled, matching the lanky Czech shot-for-shot in a gripping second set then dominating the tiebreak 7-4 to level the match. During the changeover Osaka told her coach that she was feeling discomfort and was told that if the pain ... ( read original story ...)

Pliskova into Toronto quarters as Osaka retires

Toronto (Canada) (AFP) - World number one Karolina Pliskova advanced to the quarter-finals of the WTA Toronto hardcourt tournament on Thursday as opponent Naomi Osaka abandoned due to a muscle injury. After taking the first set, Czech top seed Pliskova was ... ( read original story ...)