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Japan news from Japan Times

• Japan crown prince attends memorial mass for Pope Francis

  The mass, hosted by the Apostolic Nunciature to Japan, was attended by about 1,000 people, including U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass.

• Haneda terminal operator unit underreports income by ¥100 million

  The subsidiary, Big Wing, was found to have concealed the income in connection with the business of installing massage chairs.

• Aide to South Korean candidate suggests review of wartime labor solution

  Wi did not provide specifics but said that a Lee administration might discuss historical issues more than the Yoon administration.

• As many as nine dead after driver plows into Vancouver festival crowd

  The driver was a "lone suspect" known to police, a police spokesperson told journalists at the scene.

• BOJ may lower economic and price forecasts

  Amid Trump's global trade war, the central bank is also likely to keep its monetary policy unchanged.

• California says it overtakes Japan to become world’s No. 4 economy

  Japan's annual GDP was surpassed by China in 2010 and Germany in 2023, positioning the country in fourth place.

• Time for a civic uprising

  What’s happening is not normal. America needs an uprising that is not normal.

• China seizes disputed reef near key Philippine military outpost

  Beijing's focus on claiming sovereignty over Sandy Cay reef in the South China Sea adds to fears over a clash with Manila.

Asia/Pacific news from Japan Times

• China seizes disputed reef near key Philippine military outpost

  Beijing's focus on claiming sovereignty over Sandy Cay reef in the South China Sea adds to fears over a clash with Manila.

• Myanmar junta defies quake ceasefire to continue deadly attacks, data shows

  The military launched at least 207 attacks, including 140 airstrikes and 24 artillery barrages, according to data from the U.N. Human Rights Office.

• North Korea's Kim attends ceremony for launching new 5,000-ton warship

  Kim Jong Un, in a speech from the launch, said the warship would be handed over to the navy and go into service early next year.

• Pakistan official calls for international inquiry into Kashmir terror attack

  The defense minister’s remarks appeared to be aimed at defusing tensions with India, after armed militants attacked a tourist group in the disputed territory.

• Former South Korean leader Moon says bribery indictment is 'political'

  South Korean prosecutors indicted Moon for alleged bribery on Thursday, making him the latest former leader of the country to face legal troubles.

• North Korean cyber spies created U.S. firms to dupe crypto developers

  The activity shows the continuing evolution in North Korea's efforts to target the cryptocurrency sectors to raise cash for the North Korean government.

• Portable internet helps Asia scam centers bypass blackouts

  Trafficking experts have raised concerns over how satellite internet technology may hamper efforts to crack down on scam centers.

• South Korea and U.S. aim for package of deals before tariff pause ends in July

  The U.S. and South Korea had a "very successful" meeting on Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said afterwards.

Culture news from Japan Times

• ‘Wildcat Dome’ challenges Japan's historical narratives

  Prolific writer Yuko Tsushima explores themes of militarization, colonialism and occupation through the identities of mixed-race orphans in postwar Japan.

• Sasuke Haraguchi’s provocative soundtracks for digital natives

  The 21-year-old electronic producer and artist taps into the chaotic nature of modern online life.

• ‘She Taught Me Serendipity’: A quiet reminder not to take people for granted

  While Akiko Ohku’s latest seems like a rom-com on its surface, the ensemble piece delves deeper into the importance of appreciating loved ones while you can.

• Thumbelina's bedtime is before 8. Her exhibition runs till 5 a.m.

  A toddler’s solo art show lights up Tokyo’s nightlife, even though she’s asleep before her first guests arrive.

• The floor is art: Takuro Tamayama transforms mundanity

  With “Takuro Tamayama: Floor,” the artist, at 34, has become the youngest person to ever hold a solo show at the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art.

• Japan wanted a cultural do-over. Ado gave it one.

  The 22-year-old J-pop singer cast a spell on the first weekend of the Osaka Expo

• Kyotographie 2025 opts for laughter and levity in the face of global strife

  Artists at the 13th edition of the international photography festival find humor and heart in their portrayals of humanity.

• Actor Hiroyuki Sanada among Time's 100 most influential people

  Contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara and musician Yoshiki also made the list.

Sports news from Japan Times

• Arizona's Eugenio Suarez becomes 19th MLB player to hit four homers in one game

  Suarez's fourth homer of the night knotted the score at 7-7 in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings in a game his team ultimately lost.

• Thunder sweep past Grizzlies in NBA playoffs; Cavs on brink

  The Thunder, fueled by 38 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, held off the Memphis Grizzlies 117-115 to complete a series sweep.

• Barcelona sinks Real Madrid in extra time to win Copa del Rey title

  Barca won a record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup title thanks to a stunning strike from French defender Jules Kounde.

• After draft slip, Sanders goes to the Browns in the fifth round

  Once projected to go in the first round, Sanders was not called on the first two days of the draft, confounding television analysts who struggled to make sense of the free fall.

• Chris Eubank Jr. beats Conor Benn on points in thrilling middleweight bout

  All three judges scored the non-title fight 116-112 after a pulsating 12-round slugfest, with both fighters setting a ferocious pace.

• Duran double and Ronaldo goal sink Marinos in Asian Champions League semis

  The win sees Al-Nassr join compatriots Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal in the last four in what's been a dominate showing by Saudi clubs.

• Paul Skenes fans nine for Pirates to beat Dodgers and Yamamoto

  Yamamoto (3-2) allowed three runs (one earned) on five hits over five innings with a season-high four walks and five strikeouts.

• NFL may open 2026 season in Australia

  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking about the league's international strategy on Friday, revealed the league's plans for its first trip to Melbourne next year.

Life news from Japan Times

• How to bring up bad news in Japanese

  A few grammatical structures can help you talk about being sick, but set phrases will come in handy when the illness is more severe.

• Savoy, Tokyo’s top pizzeria, fires up in Sapporo

  The chain of pizza restaurants has opened its first branch in Hokkaido, offering locals a taste of its famous crisp and airy pizzas.

• A modern Japanese cookbook that is ‘a beautiful mess’

  With an easygoing tone, Millie Tsukagoshi Lagares’ first cookbook is a vibrant Japanese culinary guide that speaks to a globalized generation.

• Built in a flash, Osaka Expo pavilions wrestle with sustainability

  Architects of country pavilions speak on the challenges that shaped their design choices.

• Craft Sake Week is back with its usual brand of cool

  The annual Roppongi Hills festival is banking on a combination of top sips, delicious bites and party vibes to spread the gospel of Japan’s signature tipple.

• Crow meat, goat tartare: Mauvaise Herbe raises its game

  Taking an unconventional approach to sourcing, chef Keiji Ojima is out to showcase the little-known wild flavors of Okinawa in his French-inspired Okinawan fare.

• Thumbprint cookies with a tangy Japanese filling

  Replace jam with pickled honey plums for a sweet-sour topping in your cookies.

• Japan’s first Waldorf Astoria brings art deco luxury to Osaka

  Stays at the Waldorf Astoria Osaka start at ¥150,000 per night, but this is no hotel to be pinching pennies.

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