Taro Kono said he plans to ask overseas news outlets to write Japanese names with the family name first, as is the custom in Japan. But some wonder why the suggestion is coming now.
Japan's defeat in World War II "produced in him strong feelings against war and its chaos," says a childhood friend. Akihito has expressed deep remorse at home and abroad for Japan's wartime actions.
Japan's military reported on Tuesday that it lost an F-35 stealth jet off the coast of Japan, in the Pacific. Pieces of the plane have been located and a search for the pilot is ongoing.
French prosecutors suspect the Tokyo bid committee of paying bribes to host the 2020 Games. Tsunekazu Takeda, who also chairs the IOC's Marketing Commission, maintains his innocence.
They say the constitution's language on marriage should be reinterpreted. It's the first lawsuit challenging the country's rejection of same-sex marriage.
The Hornet played a role in several key events in the war – including the Doolittle Raid on Japan and the Battle of Midway. Researchers have located it 3 miles below the surface.
Archaeologists are rushing to uncover, document and preserve centuries-old objects as new hotels and office buildings go up in the ancient former capital of Japan.
Passengers who get on the train before the morning rush hour will also qualify for free tempura. The offer is an attempt to reduce overcrowding on the city's most jam-packed route.