Alaska opens trade, pipeline office in Tokyo

Alaska - The state of Alaska has opened an office in Tokyo to help promote trade and advance a long hoped-for natural gas pipeline project. The office and the hiring of Masatoshi Nick Shiratori to direct it was only announced to companies doing business ... ( read original story ...)

Nikkei stays in a narrow range, on track for weekly losses

Yen moves off this week's highs, underpinning Japanese equities TOKYO Jan 20 Japan's Nikkei share average wobbled in a small range on Friday, on track for a weekly loss, as investors braced for a change of power in the United States with the inauguration ... ( read original story ...)

World shares mixed, Japan’s Nikkei gains on weaker yen

TOKYO - World stocks were meandering in sluggish trading on Thursday as investors awaited the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president. KEEPING SCORE: European shares were mixed in early trading. France’s CAC 40 added 0.1 percent to 4,860.14 and ... ( read original story ...)

Japan hotelier's Nanjing massacre denial angers China

A Japanese hotel chain has come under fire for its owner's claims that a World War Two massacre in the Chinese city of Nanjing did not take place. A book by Toshio Motoya, who owns APA Hotels, was found this week to be widely distributed in his outlets. ( read original story ...)

Forget World Cup heroics, says Japan coach Jamie Joseph

Japan coach Jamie Joseph wants to forget the country's astonishing 2015 World Cup run as he looks to create his own blueprint for the future. The former All Black had a baptism of fire after taking over the 'Brave Blossoms' last November and is under no ... ( read original story ...)

High-tech Japanese toilets to be more foreigner friendly

TOKYO - As more foreigners choose Japan as a holiday destination, the country's toilet manufacturers have joined forces to simplify the sometimes complicated business of washing and drying Japanese style. A 2014 survey found many foreigners have difficulty ... ( read original story ...)