Tokyo Olympics To Be A Dry Event After Organizers Abruptly Reverse Course
The decision not to sell alcohol at Olympic venues was portrayed by organizers as an anti-coronavirus measure.
Japan
Japan Aims To Convince A Wary Public The Olympics Will Be Safe
Anger at the government's insistence on pushing ahead with the games remains intense, but Japan's ramped-up vaccination campaign may be helping to ease some safety fears.
In Talks With Japanese Prime Minister, Biden To Focus On Countering China
President Biden meets with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday, his first in-person summit since taking office. Talks are expected to focus on shared concerns about China.
China To Loom Large At Biden's Summit With Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga
As the U.S. tries to enlist allies to help meet the challenges posed by China, perhaps no nation is more central than Japan. Suga is the first foreign leader to meet face-to-face with President Biden.
Japan To Dump Wastewater From Wrecked Fukushima Nuclear Plant Into Pacific Ocean
Despite Tokyo's assurances that it will not pose a threat to people or the environment, the decision has been criticized by the local fishing community, environmental groups and Japan's neighbors.
Torch Relay Kicks Off For Troubled Tokyo Olympic Games
The torch relay shows the organizers' determination to proceed with the Games, despite public skepticism. It is set to crisscross the country and arrive at the opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23.
Ballistic Missile Launch Near Japan Pushes Tensions With North Korea
North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan Thursday, in its first provocation of the Biden White House.
Overseas Spectators Will Be Banned From Tokyo Olympics Due To COVID-19 Risks
Tokyo organizers on Saturday announced that foreign spectators will be barred from attending this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games due to concerns over COVID-19.
In Landmark Ruling, Court Says Japan's Ban On Same-Sex Marriage Is Unconstitutional
Advocates hope the decision will set a precedent for marriage equality lawsuits now pending across the country, and help pave the way for same-sex marriage in Japan — the only G-7 nation without it.
In Tokyo, Blinken And Austin Work To Revive Asian Alliance To Counter China
The first Cabinet-level trip abroad of the Biden administration is squarely focused on the challenge presented by China to U.S. primacy. Blinken will also meet with his Chinese counterpart in Alaska.