Japan

Severe snowfall sweeps across Japan’s central regions

Heavy snowfall hit central Japan as a cold front swept through, prompting weather warnings and disrupting daily life.

Trump and Japanese prime minister hold joint news conference

President Donald Trump shakes hands with with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 7

SoftBank, OpenAI unveil Japan AI joint venture

SoftBank Group, opens new tab CEO Masayoshi Son said on Monday he has agreed with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to set up a joint venture in Japan to offer artificial intelligence services to corporate customers.

Rescuers attempt to recover truck swallowed by sinkhole in Japan

Massive fire erupts near a major tourist landmark in Osaka, Japan, as seen in live images

A large fire has broken out in a commercial building near Tsutenkaku Tower, a famous tourist landmark in Osaka, Japan. Emergency teams are on the scene, with dark smoke visible over the city.

6.9 magnitude earthquake hits Kyushu, tsunami advisory issued

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Kyushu, southern Japan, prompting tsunami advisories for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. A 20-centimetre tsunami reached Miyazaki city, but no issues were reported at nearby nuclear power plants. Links to the Nankai Trough are under investigation.

South Korea, Japan foreign ministers discuss regional security

South Korea and Japan’s foreign ministers met in Seoul to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional security challenges.

Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya says he will attend Trump inauguration ceremony

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will attend Donald Trump’s January 20th inauguration, aiming to strengthen U.S.-Japan ties.

Japan is struggling with heavy snowfalls

Japan, specifically the northern regions, is currently experiencing heavy snowfall.

Japanese Foreign Minister to visit South Korea for security talks

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will visit South Korea on Monday, marking the first such trip in seven years, to strengthen bilateral and trilateral security cooperation with the United States and address shared regional challenges.

Blinken’s Japan visit overshadowed by U.S. steel merger block

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s farewell visit to Japan faced tension following President Joe Biden’s decision to block Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, sparking concerns about its impact on U.S.-Japan relations.

Blinken visits Japan as Nippon Steel decision weighs on relations

Biden blocks Nippon Steel's $14.9B U.S. Steel bid, sparking tensions during Blinken's Japan visit amid efforts to strengthen alliances against China.

World's oldest person passes at 116

Blinken heads to South Korea, Japan and France

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit South Korea, Japan, and France from January 4-9 to address regional security, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and global challenges.

Japanese laugh off bad memories at year-end ritual

A crowd gathered at Hiraoka Shrine in Osaka for a Shinto ritual Monday, laughing for 20 minutes to wash away bad memories from the past year. Based on a Japanese myth, the event brings positive energy for the year ahead.

Japan begins research to make Moon habitation reality

Japan, in collaboration with Kyoto University and Kajima Corp, is developing a ground-breaking lunar habitat using artificial gravity, aiming to make space colonies a reality by the 2030s.

Japan aims for 40-50% renewable energy supply by 2040

Japan aims to boost renewable energy to 40-50% of its electricity supply by 2040, alongside a 20% contribution from nuclear power, as part of a strategic push to meet rising energy demand sustainably.

Japan's space agency halts Epsilon S rocket engine test after fire

Japan's space agency aborted an engine test for the Epsilon S rocket on Tuesday following a fire at the test site, a failure that could push the rocket's debut launch beyond the March-end target and cause further delays in the national space programme.

China Expands Visa-Free Program to Include Japan, Bulgaria, and More Countries

China will expand its visa-free policy to include Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, and other nations from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025. The country will also extend the visa-free stay period for all 38 participating countries from 15 to 30 days to boost tourism and trade.

China and Japan leaders Hold First Meeting to Address Key Regional Issues

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met at the APEC Summit in Peru, with China urging Japan to address issues such as Taiwan. Ishiba sought for better safeguards for Japanese nationals and the lifting of China’s seafood import ban.

Biden Holds Strategic Talks with South Korea, Japan Ahead of Potential Trump Policy Shifts

U.S. PresidentJoe Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday at the APEC Summit in Peru. The leaders sought to solidify diplomatic progress amid rising tensions in Asia and potential shifts in alliances under a Trump administration.

Egyptian adventurer completes 274-day overland journey to Japan

Cross-country traveller, Omar Nok, is trending on social media after completing an overland journey from Cairo to Japan. He reached his final destination in Tokyo after 247 days, travelling 46,239 kilometres.

Tourism in Japan records to $39 Billion, setting annual record

Tourism in Japan has reached $39 Billion, officially setting an annual record. The tourism in Japan is expected to advance to the country's economy growth in the coming years.

Japan's new Prime Minister Ishiba unveils cabinet ahead of snap election