Japan urges caution on any North Korea agreement

Japan's defence minister has urged the international community to keep sanctions and surveillance on North Korea, saying it has a history of reneging on agreements. Itsunori Onodera said North Korea agreed to give up nuclear weapons as early as 1994, but ... ( read original story ...)

Madison Keys beats Osaka, now ready for trip into unknown

The 13th-seeded American matched her best run in Paris with a 6-1 7-6(7) win over Japan's Naomi Osaka on Friday and probably expected to be facing fourth seed Elina Svitolina next. Instead, she is up against 31st seed Buzarnescu with a first Roland Garros ... ( read original story ...)

Japan whale hunt killed 122 pregnant minkes

Tokyo (AFP) – Japan killed 122 pregnant minke whales during a highly controversial annual whaling expedition that Tokyo defends as scientific research but conservationists call “gruesome and unnecessary”. The four-month expedition in the Antarctic ... ( read original story ...)

Tokyo 2020 marathon and race walking courses announced

IAAF Newsletter 2018 IAAF News 191 - March 2018 PDF En IAAF Newsletter 2018 IAAF ... IAAF Newsletter For the record Member federation elections - News 151 PDF En The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games --Tokyo 2020-- announced ... ( read original story ...)

Sapporo issues cards to verify LGBT partnerships

SAPPORO – The city of Sapporo began issuing cards serving as proof of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender partnerships on Friday, responding to calls from couples seeking portable evidence they can present in emergencies and other situations. The city ... ( read original story ...)

Japan navy spots NKorea tanker suspected of illegal transfer

TOKYO – Japan's Foreign Ministry says a Japanese warship has spotted a North Korean tanker and another tanker with a Korean name apparently transferring fuel on the open seas in violation of U.N. sanctions. The ministry said in a statement Friday that ... ( read original story ...)

The Latest: Keys tops Osaka to reach French Open’s 4th round

The 13th-seeded American built a big lead then barely avoided getting pushed to a third set before beating 21st-seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan 6-1, 7-6 (7) in a matchup of powerful baseliners. Keys compiled a 30-8 edge in winners and started quickly ... ( read original story ...)