Christmas is a really big deal in Japan
Christmas lights line the streets of Tokyo, and crowds head toward the stores to buy gifts from staff wearing Christmas hats and Santa Claus outfits. It's hard to believe you're in Japan. They give...
View ArticleJapan to enter dollar swap agreement with India
The Japanese government is considering a dollar swap arrangement with India to provide emergency liquidity in case the European debt crisis reaches emerging economies, the Nikkei business newspaper...
View ArticleBudget belies Noda's austerity drive
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda pledged fiscal restoration but has apparently failed to match words with deeds in his new budget, which signals the need for more government spending amid a shortage of...
View ArticleMiracle pine takes Christmas shine
The "miracle pine" that survived the monster quake and tsunami on March 11 was decorated and illuminated on a snowy Saturday evening as volunteers and residents tried to bring some Christmas cheer to...
View ArticleBrace for the year of the dragon, when all shall be revealed
In the Sino-Japanese cycle of annual zodiac signs, the year 2012 will be the year of the dragon. 2011 was the year of the hare. How quickly it is jumping away. The dragon is the only fictitious...
View ArticlePlan in works for possible N. Korea refugee exodus
Japan is studying measures to respond to a potential refugee surge if North Korea undergoes a cataclysmic change as a result of dictator Kim Jong Il's death last week, sources said. The central...
View ArticleSkating: Mao scores emotional national crown victory
Grief-stricken Mao Asada rode a Christmas Day wave of emotion to come from behind and capture the women's title at the national championships Sunday, securing a berth at the world championships in...
View ArticleUniversities seek to utilize gap years
More and more universities are taking steps to have their students gain life experience through work or volunteer activity, efforts the government and the business world hope will nurture human...
View ArticleParents wary of Fukushima village schools
A survey by the municipal government of Kawauchimura, Fukushima Prefecture, part of which was designated an emergency evacuation preparation zone, has found that most residents do not intend to let...
View ArticleJaywalking argument 'ends in fatal blow'
A 48-year-old man of Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of fatally striking an elderly man in a fit of rage after the elderly man advised him not to use a crosswalk against a...
View ArticleSea of Japan coast gets snow warning
The Meteorological Agency issued a warning Sunday for blizzards and high waves in northern Japan, and said heavy snow is expected to hit coastal areas along the Sea of Japan through Tuesday. It also...
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Japan bets on casinos to fund earthquake recovery
Croupiers and poker players could fuel Japan's recovery from the March earthquake and tsunami as the country moves closer to legalising casinos. A cross-party group of MPs wants to resurrect a 2006...
View ArticleJapan urges China to help keep North Korea in check
Japan urged China on Monday to shoulder a big role in ensuring North Korea avoids volatility after the death of its leader, Kim Jong-il. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda also urged Chinese...
View ArticleNikkei breaks above 25-day average in thin trade
Japan's Nikkei average rose on Monday to breach its 25-day moving average in thin trade after upbeat U.S. housing data and a two-month extension of the U.S. payroll tax cut gave temporary relief to...
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Whisky, Japan's Next Big Export?
From cup noodles to Pokemon, there's a range of Japanese products that have surprised people here by becoming much more popular overseas than most in the country of origin ever thought possible. Is...
View ArticleGenba prods Myanmar on reform
Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba on Monday tried to inject momentum into Myanmar's reform process initiated by President Thein Sein when he took office nine months ago, calling for the launch of talks...
View ArticleNew plants to clean Fukushima debris
Three experimental plants are scheduled to open next month in Fukushima Prefecture to test ways to reduce the amount of radioactive material in debris and soil there, sources said Monday. Under the...
View ArticleLady Gaga to join yearend TV bash
Lady Gaga will appear via video during NHK's annual music extravaganza on New Year's Eve, the public broadcaster said. The U.S. pop diva will appear on "Kohaku Uta Gassen" to air encouraging messages...
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Airline passengers face random frisks
The transport ministry is thinking of launching random body searches at international airports in April to bolster counterterrorism measures, airport sources said Sunday. Departing passengers who set...
View ArticleJapan pushing bilateral, regional trade talks
Japan has been advancing a series of trade talks recently to hammer out bilateral or regional free-trade agreements because it sees high-level economic partnerships as the key to revitalizing its...
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