Japan

World News

24 people died in a building fire in Osaka, Japan, and arson is suspected

12:37pm December 17, 2021

by The Associated Press

A fire that spread from a fourth-floor mental clinic in an eight-story building in what police were investigating as a possible case of arson and murder. Police were searching for a possible suspect.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, forth from left, and other lawmakers give three cheers after dissolving the lower house, the more powerful of the two parliamentary chambers, during an extraordinary Diet session at the lower house of parliament Thur

World News

Japan's new PM dissolves lower house for Oct. 31 national election

3:21am October 14, 2021

by The Associated Press

On Thursday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida dissolved the lower house of parliament. The move paves the way for elections Oct. 31, which will be Japan's first of the pandemic.

Former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida poses for a portrait following a news conference Wednesday at Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo after his election as party president.

World News

An Uncontroversial Consensus Builder Is Poised To Become Japan's Next Leader

12:22pm September 29, 2021

by Anthony Kuhn

Fumio Kishida, a former foreign minister, seemed to acknowledge popular wishes for a kinder, more responsive and socially progressive party.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga speaks to reporters about lifting of a state of emergency at his official residence in Tokyo Monday, Sept. 27. Suga announced Tuesday a lifting of the ongoing coronavirus state of emergency and less-stringent measure

World News

Japan To Lift All Coronavirus Emergency Steps Nationwide

7:54am September 28, 2021

by The Associated Press

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced Tuesday that virus restrictions will be eased gradually.

Sumo Grand Champion Hakuho performs Dohyo-iri, the ring-entering ceremony, during the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Himeji Chuo Gymnasium, in March 2015, in Himeji, Japan.

Sports

Sumo Grand Champion Hakuho Will Retire At 36, Citing His Age And Injuries

9:42am September 27, 2021

by Scott Neuman

The Mongolian-born wrestler, who has won a record 45 grand sumo tournament titles, announced his decision to retire to the Japan Sumo Association on Monday.

Isabelita Vinuya, 88, reflected in mirror, bids farewell to Perla Bulaon Balingit in the village of Mapaniqui in Pampanga. They are two of the last living "comfort women" of the Philippines. On Nov. 23, 1944, Vinuya, Balingit and some 100 other girls and

Health & Safety

Whatever Happened To ... The WW II Sex Slaves Fighting For Justice?

4:49pm September 24, 2021

The Japanese Army systematically raped women in the Philippines. What's become of the aging survivors of this wartime atrocity in the midst of the pandemic?

Taro Kono, a candidate of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and currently the minister in charge of vaccinations, delivers a speech in Tokyo on Sept. 17.

World News

Japan's Outspoken, U.S.-Educated Vaccine Minister Wants To Be The Next Prime Minister

12:47pm September 24, 2021

by Anthony Kuhn

Taro Kono is seen as a political maverick with liberal views on social policy. He is popular with the public, but his own party's power brokers may hesitate to make him the leader next week.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga bows during a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Friday, following his announcement that he will not seek reelection for Liberal Democratic Party leadership this month.

World News

Japan's Leader Will Step Down, Damaged By Criticism Of His COVID Response

10:57am September 03, 2021

by Anthony Kuhn

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's exit raises the specter of a return to a "revolving door" succession of Japanese leaders.

This June 14, 2021, file photo shows a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine vial that is being administered for flight attendants of Japan Airlines at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

World News

Japan Suspends 1.63 Million Doses Of Moderna's COVID-19 Vaccine Over Contamination

6:11am August 26, 2021

by The Associated Press

The health ministry said contamination was reported from multiple vaccination sites. The news raises concern of a supply shortage as Japan tries to accelerate vaccinations amid a surge in cases.

The Japan and Olympic flags fly as country flags are carried in during the closing ceremony in the Olympic Stadium at the Summer Olympics on Sunday in Tokyo.

Closing Ceremony Caps Off A Dramatic, Bittersweet And Ultimately Uplifting Olympics

9:33am August 08, 2021

by Merrit Kennedy

The ceremony organizers used artistic elements to show the athletes a taste of ordinary life in Japan, something they haven't been exposed to due to pandemic restrictions.