Chinese officials banned exports of some rare earth minerals and goods that might have military use following comments by Japan's prime minister. ( read original story ...)
Has Mizuno created the softest-feeling mallet putter in golf?
It has the looks, but how does the Mizuno M.Craft Nagoya putter perform? Putter expert Sam De’Ath puts it to the test to find out ... ( read original story ...)
Two title matches official for NJPW New Beginning in Osaka
The New Beginning in Osaka is set to be held at Edion Arena on February 11. We now have our first two match announcements for the show, with NJPW confirming that the IWGP Tag Team titles and NEVER Openweight Championship will be on the line. ( read original story ...)
Yokohama Tire Renews ‘Tread Lightly!’ Partnership for 2025-26
Yokohama Tire renews its Tread Lightly! partnership for 2025–26, supporting trail access, stewardship and responsible recreation. ( read original story ...)
Osaka Gas begins operations at new Himeji plant in Japan
Osaka Gas has commenced commercial operations at the No.1 unit of its new 1.25GW Himeji gas-fired power plant in western Japan, reported Reuters. This marks the start of expanded domestic thermal power generation capacity for Osaka Gas, ( read original story ...)
Photos show daring ladder stunts performed by Tokyo’s rescue team at New Year’s Fire Brigade Review
Members of the rescue team perform ladder stunts during the annual New Year's Fire Brigade Review Tuesday, in Tokyo. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. ( read original story ...)
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, Japan, hotel review
A hotel most well known by locals, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo offers a rare pocket of serenity in an otherwise bustling cityLocationIn a city as big and buzzing as Tokyo, diving straight in can feel overwhelming. ( read original story ...)
China bans certain rare earths and other exports to Japan for military purposes over Takaichi’s comments
China has banned exports of some rare earth elements and other items to Japan that could be used for military purposes, straining already tense relations between the two countries following the ... ( read original story ...)
Jon Duplantier signs with NPB’s Yokohama BayStars
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball announced the signing of right-hander Jon Duplantier. The 31-year-old will remain in Japan for a second season after spending the ’25 ... ( read original story ...)
Naomi Osaka issues health update after revealing illness before United Cup exit
Naomi Osaka admits she is not fully sure what's happening with her illness, but remains hopeful that she will be fine in 12 when the Australian Open starts. In her United Cup debut, the top-ranked Japanese female tennis player appeared in two singles matches and went 1-1. ( read original story ...)
Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Japan after series of aftershocks
The epicenter of the first earthquake was in eastern Shimane prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. ( read original story ...)
Tennis Star Naomi Osaka Hints at Bold Match Outfits for 2026
The four-time Grand Slam winner introduced five different bejeweled dolls that not only matched her outfit but were also named after tennis legends such as Arthur Ashe, Althea Gibson, Billie Jean King and Andre Agassi. She even named her final Labubu after herself and introduced "Naomi Glowsaka" on Instagram. ( read original story ...)
Why is Japan souring on foreign workers and tourists?
Lately a diplomatic spat with China has begun depressing the number of people coming to Japan from that country—but even this does not seem to have much deterred Japan’s leaders from their course. ( read original story ...)
Chubu Electric May Have Underestimated N-Plant Quake Risks
Chubu Electric Power Co. may have presented data underestimating earthquake risks for a regulatory process to check whether its Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan meets new safety standards, ... ( read original story ...)
Massive bluefin tuna fetches record $3.2 million at Tokyo auction
A massive 535-pound bluefin tuna sold for a record 510 million yen ($3.2 million) at the first auction of 2026 at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market. ( read original story ...)
Woman chokes to death on mochi rice cake as fatal New Year’s trend continues in Japan
Over recent years, the chewy rice cakes have killed and hospitalized hundreds of people in Japan, where it is eaten to celebrate the new year. ( read original story ...)