Belgium vs. Japan live: World Cup highlights from Round of 16

Because of FIFA's fair play tiebreaker, Japan knew if Colombia beat Senegal on the final matchday, then they would be in the Round of 16. Once news spread of Colombia's 1-0 lead, they played a game of boring back passes in an attempt to avoid injuries ... ( read original story ...)

Kompany returns for Belgium against Japan

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (Reuters) - Belgium central defender Vincent Kompany returned to the lineup to face Japan in their World Cup last 16 clash on Monday for his first start at the tournament after picking up a groin strain in a warm-up match a month ago. ( read original story ...)

Tokyo no longer world’s best for quality of life

Home to 9.5 million, Tokyo apparently is an exemplar "for showing that big cities don't have to be harsh and impersonal." Munich’s property prices are some of the highest in Europe. The city ranked eighth in Knight Frank’s Global Residential Cities ... ( read original story ...)

Japan’s regions must bypass Tokyo and go global

The 4-year-old economic policy program of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has had such mixed results that there are radically different views on its performance. But there is little dispute that one of the least successful policy baskets is regional ... ( read original story ...)

TOKYO | Bank of Japan survey shows corporate sentiment worsening

TOKYO — A central bank survey released Monday showed Japan’s corporate outlook has worsened from three months ago, highlighting risks to this export-reliant economy from trade tensions. The Bank of Japan’s “tankan” survey measuring confidence ... ( read original story ...)

Bank of Japan survey shows corporate sentiment worsening

TOKYO — A central bank survey released Monday showed Japan’s corporate outlook has worsened from three months ago, highlighting risks to this export-reliant economy from trade tensions. The Bank of Japan’s “tankan” survey measuring confidence ... ( read original story ...)

Japan expands peacekeeping support in Africa and ASEAN

TOKYO -- Japan's Self-Defense Forces will provide more support for United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa and Southeast Asia this fiscal year amid Tokyo's concerns about China's growing presence on such missions. Ground Self-Defense Force ... ( read original story ...)

Japan Christian sites added to UNESCO World Heritage list

A dozen Christian locations in parts of southern Japan where members of the faith were once brutally persecuted were selected for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list on Saturday. The 12 sites include 10 villages, Hara Castle and Oura Cathedral ... ( read original story ...)