News

Japan news from Japan Times

• Scott Bessent signals support for Bank of Japan independence

  The U.S. Treasury secretary’s comments come as Abenomics is back in fashion with Japan’s leaders.

• Takaichi buys time and builds trust with ‘near-perfect’ Trump summit

  Experts called the PM’s meeting with the U.S. president an “overwhelming success,” especially considering the tumult and uncertainty in bilateral relations over the past year.

• Court finds July poll was held in an unconstitutional state

  A group of lawyers sought the invalidation of the Upper House election.

• Michael Jordan appalled by NBA 'load management'

  Jordan said he's not buying the need for players to rest for the sake of rest.

• Hegseth says U.S. never demanded Japan defense spending hike

  In his first meeting with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, U.S. defense chief Pete Hegseth called Japan's current defense spending plans “wonderful.”

• No projects finalized under Japan's $550 billion investment pledge

  Fact sheets issued during the recent Japan-U.S. summit offered little insight into any progress made.

• Three workers at nuclear fuel reprocessing plant possibly exposed to radiation

  Radiation was detected inside the nasal cavity of a worker at a plant in Aomori Prefecture, prompting Japan Nuclear Fuel to check whether all three workers were internally exposed.

• Imamiya's spectacular Game 3 catch may live on in SoftBank lore

  ​The veteran shortstop said the key to his performance is preparation, especially when it comes to playing on a surface as unfamiliar as Koshien Stadium’s all-dirt infield.

Asia/Pacific news from Japan Times

• North Korea answers Trump entreaties with nuclear-capable missile test

  U.S. President Donald Trump appeared resigned that a grand summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un was probably not in the cards during his trip to Asia this week.

• India to repatriate 500 nationals who fled Myanmar scam center: Thai PM

  More than 1,500 people from 28 countries have crossed the border into Thailand following a military raid.

• Modi skipped summit to avoid Trump face-off denting poll prospects, sources say

  Indian officials were apprehensive the U.S. leader would repeat his claim that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after an armed conflict in May, the people said.

• Trump lands in South Korea to face trade talks and North Korean missiles

  The U.S. president will address a summit of CEOs and meet with South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju.

• Pakistan says peace talks with Afghanistan 'failed'

  Pakistan and Afghanistan have been holding negotiations in Istanbul aimed at securing peace after deadly border clashes killed more than 70 people and wounded hundreds.

• China closing in on U.S. as leader in global science, study shows

  An analysis of almost 6 million research papers shows that Chinese scientists are taking the helm in almost half of all collaborations with U.S. counterparts.

• China eyes 'positive signals' from new Japan leadership

  Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has toned down her rhetoric and called China an important neighbor.

• Myanmar detains over 10,000 foreigners in scam center crackdown

  The move comes as the international community pressures the junta to dismantle billion-dollar scam networks.

Culture news from Japan Times

• ‘Flames of a Flower’: A bold interrogation of Japan’s pacifist identity

  Oudai Kojima’s PTSD drama turned politically charged thriller takes aim at Japan’s postwar contradictions.

• ‘Baka's Identity’ exposes an underworld of stolen names and lost souls

  In Koto Nagata’s thriller, Japan’s vulnerable youth on society’s margins risk everything — even who they are.

• Tokyo Film Festival opens with global stars and a spotlight on Asian storytelling

  From Juliette Binoche’s directorial debut to Paul Schrader’s Mishima biopic, this year’s festival celebrates cross-cultural creativity.

• Oasis returns to Tokyo: Rain, rapture and rock

  Oasis’ first Japan shows since 2009 drew roughly 110,000 fans to Tokyo Dome over the weekend.

• Tokyo Biennale hides the art in plain sight

  This year is the biennale's most ambitious yet, with 39 participating artists from Japan and abroad creating under the theme “Wander for Wonder.”

• Spanish artist and Japanese writer duos diversify the manga talent pool in Japan

  As manga and anime’s global popularity grows, international artists are getting new opportunities to enter the booming industry.

• New book scrutinizes sustainability of traditional Japanese textiles

  In “Dyeing with the Earth,” an Oxford research fellow examines how Japan’s age-old textile traditions sometimes run counter to modern ideas of eco-friendly processes.

• Japanese rock fans can't agree on kurayamisaka

  The September release of the band's debut album has dominated Japan’s indie-rock conversation for weeks, with listeners debating over its “shoegaze” classification.

Sports news from Japan Times

• Michael Jordan appalled by NBA 'load management'

  Jordan said he's not buying the need for players to rest for the sake of rest.

• Imamiya's spectacular Game 3 catch may live on in SoftBank lore

  ​The veteran shortstop said the key to his performance is preparation, especially when it comes to playing on a surface as unfamiliar as Koshien Stadium’s all-dirt infield.

• Kyushu <i>banzuke</i> sets the stage to cement 2025’s sumo narratives

  If Onosato triumphs again to make it four titles in five basho, any remaining doubt about his status as a surefire future dai-yokozuna will likely melt away.

• Blue Jays swat Dodgers 6-2 to level World Series

  Less than 24 hours after a shattering 18-inning Game 3 loss, the Blue Jays climbed off the canvas to breathe new life into their hopes of a first title in 32 years.

• Cameron Norrie stuns world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz at Paris Masters

  Alcaraz's defeat was the first time he had lost before a final since March, halting a dominant Masters 1000 run stretching back to the Miami Open.

• With 100 days to go, Milan Winter Olympics chiefs 'can see finish line'

  Time is ticking down to the start of an unusually intricate and spread-out Winter Olympics.

• England bounces back from Brazil defeat with 3-0 win over Australia

  The friendly was overshadowed by what appeared to be a serious knee injury to Michelle Agyemang, who was carried off on a stretcher.

• U.S. athletes 'conscious' of American image at 2026 Winter Games

  Athletes and fans begin a 100-day countdown to the Milano-Cortina Olympics on Wednesday, preparing for spectators to be back in full force at the Winter Games.

Life news from Japan Times

• Turn a Japanese comfort food into a fuss-free sandwich

  The secret to a two-minute “oyako” chicken omelet filling for your bread roll is mayonnaise.

• Bodybuilders find new calling in Japan’s struggling care industry

  A Nagoya firm is tackling Japan’s caregiver shortage by recruiting bodybuilders — offering gym perks, protein subsidies and purpose.

• Lentil by lentil, Nepali food takes shape in Tokyo

  The cuisine is emerging out of the shadow of Indian fare, thanks to a new breed of passionate chefs keen to introduce locals to South Asian dishes beyond butter chicken and naan.

• Have you heard? This year Shibuya wants us to have a ‘good Halloween’

  As Shibuya moves from prohibition to permission, learn how to ask where and how to celebrate Japan’s most haunted holiday.

• Nakatsu keeps its cool as gentrification looms

  Named one of Time Out’ magazine's “world’s coolest neighborhoods,” the residents of Osaka’s Nakatsu hope the area can retain its balance of old and new that makes it special.

• Ninja Gaiden 4 revives series with kinetic carnage, clumsy platforming

  Known for high-speed and occasionally punishingly difficult combat, the Ninja Gaiden series gets an update in mechanics thanks to a new developer.

• What does Jimbocho think of its unexpected ‘cool’ status?

  The book town's residents weigh in on their home topping Time Out magazine's “coolest neighborhoods” list.

• Tokyo's best Sunday roasts and all their trimmings

  Bathed in rich gravy and paired with scrumptious Yorkshire puddings, the classic British dish is perfect for a languorous lunch — or dinner.

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