Japan’s Defense Minister Said to Be Resigning, in Blow to Abe

The Japanese news media reported on Thursday that the defense minister, Tomomi Inada, and the officer, Gen. Toshiya Okabe, chief of staff of the Ground Self-Defense Forces, as the Japanese army is known, had informed colleagues and superiors of their ... ( read original story ...)

Main opposition chief Renho resigns Democratic Party leadership

But if we are not recognized as an alternative force, it will just spread public distrust in both ruling and opposition parties,” Renho told a news conference at the ... who was born to a Taiwanese father and Japanese mother in 1967, once garnered ... ( read original story ...)

Reports: Japan defense chief to quit over document cover-up

TOKYO (AP) — Japan's beleaguered defense minister, a protege of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, will step down in connection with an alleged cover-up of military documents from U.N. peacekeeping operations, media reports said Thursday. Defense Minister Tomomi ... ( read original story ...)

Japan opposition head quits as PM Abe suffers scandal

Sign up for breaking news emails & contest alerts ... as a viable choice under a two-party system and for the benefit of the people of Japan," she said, adding that she will remain a lawmaker to build a society that tolerates diversity. ( read original story ...)

Osaka web series gives voice to the intellectually disabled

Pansy Media, based in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture, streams its program once a month. Many of those involved have intellectual disabilities. The 50-minute program, which began last September, offers news and documentaries, as well as a feature called ... ( read original story ...)

Dollar weakens to around ¥111 in Tokyo

The dollar weakened to around ¥111 in Tokyo trading Thursday, following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s downgrade of its view on inflation. At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at ¥111.20-21, down from ¥111.83-84 at the same time on Wednesday. The euro was at $1 ... ( read original story ...)

Lottery eyed for Olympic expenses outside Tokyo

The Tokyo metropolitan government is considering using sales from a special takarakuji lottery to cover the 35 billion yen (about $316 million) in operating costs that need to be sorted out between Tokyo and non-Tokyo local governments that will host some ... ( read original story ...)