Japan

EU And Japan Strike Trade Deal, Call It 'Strong Message To The World'

4:14pm July 06, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The European Union and Japan have reached an agreement in principle for a new free trade deal. It would lower barriers to trade between two of the world's most important economic areas.

South Korean soldiers in Seoul walk by a TV news program showing a file image of a missile being test-launched. North Korea on Tuesday test- launched another ballistic missile in the direction of Japan, U.S. and South Korean officials said.

World News

North Korea's Latest Missile Test Prompts A Tweeted Response From Trump

11:32pm July 03, 2017

by Elise Hu

South Korea and Japan said North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile that flew about 40 minutes before landing in the sea. Trump suggested that North Korea's neighbors may have had enough.

Elise Tries purikura, the original Snapchat.

Video: Japan's 'Purikura' Photo Booths Offer Snapchat-Like Filters

1:59pm July 03, 2017

by Elise Hu

In NPR's Elise Tries series, correspondent Elise Hu tries out new experiences in East Asia. In Tokyo, she checks out Japanese purikura photo booths, which produce selfies to decorate and print out.

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A team of 14 Japanese elementary school students has set a new record for jumping rope, with 225 skips in one minute.

Jump Rope Heroes: Watch School Kids Set A One-Minute Guinness World Record

10:56am June 21, 2017

by Bill Chappell

In a blur of coordination, a team of 14 students blew away the old record for most skips through a single jump rope in one minute.

The destroyer USS Fitzgerald, seen sailing in the Sea of Japan earlier this month.

Seven U.S. Sailors Missing in Navy Destroyer Collision With Merchant Vessel

10:18pm June 16, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

The destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with the Philippine-flagged vessel off the coast of Japan early Saturday local time. The Japanese coast guard has been assisting the destroyer.

Japan's parliament has approved a law permitting Emperor Akihito (left) to abdicate the throne as he requested. Members of the deliberately small royal family, including Empress Michiko (second from left), attend a spring garden party at the Akasaka Palac

World News

Japan's Emperor Will Be Permitted To Abdicate

10:38am June 09, 2017

by Mark Katkov

Japan's parliament has approved a law allowing Emperor Akihito to abdicate. Last year, Akihito — in oblique language — asked permission to do so, citing his advanced age and poor health.

Totoro and the Catbus, the forest king's preferred mode of transportation, on display at a London comics convention in 2016.

Beloved Hayao Miyazaki Film Set To Get A Theme Park Of Its Own

3:53pm June 02, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

My Neighbor Totoro has inspired a cult international following since its 1988 release. Now, Miyazaki's anime has inspired plans for a theme park, too — set to open in Japan in 2020.

Japan's Cabinet has moved to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate the throne — an event which hasn't happened in 200 years. Akihito (left) and Empress Michiko appeared with members of the royal family at the spring garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperi

Japan's Cabinet Moves To Allow Emperor To Abdicate

2:40pm May 19, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

If the 83-year-old Akihito steps down, he will be the first to abdicate in 200 years. But the provision doesn't solve Japan's royal problem: strict rules of succession and a dearth of eligible males.

Yasunori Kagoike, center, head of an ultra-nationalistic Japanese school operator, walks through the hallway after testifying before an upper house panel at the parliament in Tokyo, on March 23.

Land Deal For Right-Wing Elementary School Plagues Japanese Prime Minister

10:01am May 10, 2017

by Anthony Kuhn

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has denied involvement in a discounted sale of state-owned land for a new primary school. He says he'll resign if proof of his involvement is found.

The Japanese luxury Train Suite Shiki-Shima will carry a maximum of 34 passengers. Tickets cost between nearly $3,000 and almost $10,000.

World News

Tickets Sell Out To Japan's New Luxury Train, Despite Costing Thousands

3:42pm May 02, 2017

by Bill Chappell

If you want to travel on the Shiki-Shima train, you'll need to plan ahead: despite starting at nearly $3,000, tickets are sold out through next spring.