News On Japan

Japan's new economic revitalization minister has pledged to do his best to establish a positive economic cycle. Nobuteru Ishihara succeeded Akira Amari, who resigned last week over a funding scandal. (NHK)

Shockwaves from the Bank of Japan's surprising decision to introduce a negative interest rate policy continued in the Japanese government bond market on Monday, with the benchmark 10-year JGB yield hitting a fresh record low of 0.050 pct. (Jiji Press)

Losing a beloved family member is hard enough by itself. Uncertainties about the costs of the funeral and related services only make the situation more difficult. Now, Amazon Japan lists a company that offers budget-friendly monk delivery service. (Quartz)

The country's indigenous "raccoon dogs," like the viral sensation Tanu, are forced to compete with their doppelgangers in order to survive. (theatlantic.com)

Escaping from a castle turret in Japan involves hurtling down a narrow, flexible chute! (rocketnews24.com)

Central banks across the world may be running low on ammunition, but the Bank of Japan has shown that they may still have a few bullets left in their belts. (Nikkei)

The Okazaki service area on the Shin Tomei Expressway will start selling halal bento (boxed meals) when it opens in February to accommodate the needs of a growing number of Muslim tourists. (Japan Times)

A popular bikini model has resigned from her agency following rumors that she engaged in enjo kosai, or compensated dating, reports Nikkan Sports. (Tokyo Reporter)

Kan Hosho, a noted actor of "Noh" classical Japanese musical drama, died of throat cancer at his home in Tokyo's Nerima Ward on Monday. He was 81. (Jiji Press)

On Monday at the Tokyo District Court, prosecutors made clear an intention to seek a fine for an artist whose displays based on her genitals have been deemed objectionable. (Tokyo Reporter)

The government denied Monday that Japan carries out espionage activities abroad as it announced that Chinese authorities have formally arrested a fourth Japanese citizen on suspicion of spying. (Japan Times)

Investigators are scratching their heads over the theft of hundreds of hand straps from Tokyo commuter trains. (Japan Times)

A prefecture in Japan is marketing itself as the new Australia because it has a similar shape, complete with a would-be Tasmania. (abc.net.au)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries says it plans to end operations of its mainstay space launch vehicle, the H2A, in about 8 years to replace it with its successor, the H3. (NHK)

Nintendo and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) recently signed a basic business agreement that could pave the way for future USJ attractions featuring Nintendo characters and game worlds. (rocketnews24.com)

Japan is the world's third-largest economy and the producer of many of the world's best products, from video games to cars. Yet most Americans don't know much about the country's rich history. (vox.com)

Three years ago, documentary filmmaker Stephen Kijak had never heard of a band called X Japan. Most Americans hadn't either, even with more than 20 million albums sold around the world, but Kijak was intrigued. (latimes.com)

Former Japanese professional baseball star Kazuhiro Kiyohara admitted using a stimulant to Tokyo police after his arrest on Tuesday, it was learned Wednesday. (Jiji Press)

Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani says he has issued a command to shoot down any incoming ballistic missiles. (NHK)

Trade ministers from 12 Pacific Rim countries including the United States gathered Thursday in New Zealand for the ceremonial signing of a free-trade deal they say will significantly boost trade. (Asahi)

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