News On Japan

The nation's first mass-produced drone underwent a test flight here Feb. 20 ahead of work assisting cleanup crews near the stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. (Asahi)

A council of the Japan Tourism Agency has unveiled a logo intended to help foreign visitors find free public wireless LAN environments. (NHK)

"The entire nation seems excited about Abenomics," says Toshi Koizumi, the president of the Shin Futtsu Fishery Association, "but [an] industry like ours is not feeling the benefit at all." (BBC)

A major Japanese airline operator has offered to help a struggling carrier rebuild its businesses under court supervision. (NHK)

Japan's inward foreign direct investment (FDI) is extremely low compared with that of other developed countries and even its Asian neighbours. (East Asia Forum)

Honda Motor's first change of president in six years comes amid a slew of troubles, including recalls and falling profits, stemming from President Takanobu Ito's backfiring strategies to deal with plunging demand. (Nikkei)

A Japanese company known for designing off-the-wall devices has unveiled a wearable tomato machine for marathon runners. (sbs.com.au)

One of my favorite things about the Harry Potter universe was the fact that all the photos and paintings of people moved around on their own. Sure it was only a tiny detail, but it was all those little details of how a wizarding world might actually work coming together that made the final product so amazing. (Japan Today)

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Koya Nishikawa submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday following revelations of political donations, saying he wanted to avoid an adverse impact on the current Diet deliberations. (The Japan News)

Record-breaking Mongolian sumo wrestler Hakuho on Monday fanned the flames of a row over sumo etiquette as he denied breaching the ancient Japanese sport's strict protocol with an outburst against officials. (The West)

Japan and China engaged in a battle of words in an open debate at the United Nations Security Council. (NHK)

A 13-year-old boy found dead on a riverbank in Kawasaki who may have been the victim of bullying was killed with multiple sharp objects, investigative sources said Tuesday, noting the victim had sustained a deep stab wound to the neck. (Japan Times)

Japan will extend $6 million in emergency aid for people displaced by war in Syria, including those seeking refuge in neighboring countries, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday. (Kyodo)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Tuesday announced the bust of a hostess club in Shinjuku Ward for overcharging a customer last year, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Feb. 24). (Tokyo Reporter)

Japan's Nikkei share index hit yet another 15-year high on Tuesday after rising for the fifth day in a row. (BBC)

Far from tarnishing his image of tough leadership, ISIL's brutal murder of two Japanese hostages (Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa) has reinforced the popularity and resolve of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has vowed to increase Japan's contribution to battling extremism in the Middle East. (aljazeera.com)

With shrinking prospects at home and the threat of further yen weakness, Japanese companies are rushing to buy overseas and seem willing to pay top dollar, as shown by Japan Post's $5 billion bid for Australia's Toll Holdings (TOL.AX). (Reuters)

Visitors and foreign residents can now bypass long lines at Tokyo Skytree tower in the capital's Sumida Ward and head straight up to the observation deck to enjoy the sweeping view. (Asahi)

The Japanese government is now unlikely to have its fiscal 2015 budget enacted before the year starts in April as political wrangling over the agricultural minister, who resigned Monday, has delayed parliamentary deliberations on the budget. (Jiji Press)

A traditional rice cake lifting contest has been held at Daigoji temple in Kyoto. (NHK)

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