News

Japan news from Japan Times

• British Museum in London holds samurai exhibition

  The exhibition, set to run until May 4, showcases some 280 items collected in and outside Britain, including those from the museum’s own collection.

• Arguments to begin in key U.S. social media addiction trial

  The outcome in the case in the Los Angeles Superior Court could set the tone for a tidal wave of similar litigation across the United States.

• Anna Gasser and Kokomo Murase reach women's big air finals at Olympics

  Gasser will compete for a third consecutive ‍gold medal.

• ジャパンタイムズが2026 エアロスペース・メディア・アワード・アジアを受賞

  株式会社ジャパンタイムズ(本社:東京都千代田区、代表取締役社⻑:末松弥奈子) は、2026 年2 月に発表されたAerospace Media Awards ASIA主催の「2026エアロスペース・メディア・アワード・アジア」において、「ベスト・アジア太平洋地域速報 ・サブミッション」を受賞しました。

• The Japan Times receives Best Asia-Pacific Breaking News submission at the 2026 Aerospace Media Awards ASIA

  An article about witnessing a Chinese military helicopter edging dangerously close to a Philippine patrol plane over the flashpoint Scarborough Shoal, written by Gabriel Dominguez and published by The Japan Times, Ltd. (Chairperson, Publisher and President: Minako Suematsu), received an award for The Best Asia-Pacific Breaking News submission at the 2026 Aerospace Media Awards ASIA.

• Five key takeaways from Takaichi’s landslide victory

  The LDP secured a supermajority on its own, giving Takaichi the golden opportunity to implement her policy agenda.

• Center-left candidate Seguro beats far-right to Portugal’s presidency

  Socialist Antonio Jose Seguro, 63, secured the support of many political figures from the far left, center and the right.

• Donald Trump takes aim at skier over comments about representing U.S.

  During a news conference in Milan on ​Friday, Hess, a ‌freestyle skier, said it was "a little hard" ‌to represent the U.S. and that he felt mixed emotions.

Asia/Pacific news from Japan Times

• Hong Kong sentences Jimmy Lai to 20 years in landmark case

  The decision will test Western governments’ willingness to press for the British citizen’s release even as they seek to stabilize relations with China.

• Kites and victory cries fill Lahore skies as festival returns after long ban

  The Basant, a festival marking the ​onset of spring, was banned in 2008 after deaths and injuries resulting from stray kite ⁠strings sometimes coated with metal.

• Thailand PM Anutin consolidates power with dominating election win

  The Bhumjaithai Party’s victory in Sunday’s general election raises the prospect that a more stable coalition may now succeed in bringing an end to political instability.

• After years of legal battles, Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai faces sentencing

  Lai's plight has been criticized by global leaders spotlighting a yearslong crackdown following mass pro-democracy protests in ‍2019.

• Pakistan’s capital picks concrete over trees, angering residents

  Trees are being felled across Islamabad for infrastructure and military monuments.

• A tale of two villages: Cambodians lament Thailand’s border gains

  Thai forces took control of several patches of disputed land along the border during fighting last year, which could amount to several square kilometers in total.

• North Korea to hold key party congress at end of February

  Leader Kim Jong Un is expected to unveil his regime’s military and foreign policy goals for the next five years at the rare gathering.

• Bangladesh elections test ties with India as China deepens outreach

  The Feb. 12 poll will be the nation's first since a student-led uprising toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's autocratic regime in August 2024.

Culture news from Japan Times

• British Museum in London holds samurai exhibition

  The exhibition, set to run until May 4, showcases some 280 items collected in and outside Britain, including those from the museum’s own collection.

• No lights, total immersion: Autechre’s 'pitch-black' Tokyo show

  At Zepp DiverCity, Autechre stripped a Tokyo concert of sight, saturating the room with sound — and controversy.

• Can Japanese theater travel? A Murakami adaptation tries.

  "The End of the World and Hard-Boiled Wonderland” adaptation is part of a rising wave of contemporary Japanese theater productions that tour internationally with original casts.

• Vulnerability, love and the limits of reality TV on 'The Boyfriend'

  Netflix Japan’s same-sex dating show may be several layers removed from reality, but it nonetheless offers an important space for dialogue and representation.

• Aina The End is more than just anime's opening act

  The singer reflects on breakthrough hit "Kakumei Dochu — On the Way” and embracing her husky vocals.

• ‘Michiyuki — Voices of Time’ preserves a disappearing world in black and white

  With the texture of a lost era, Hiromichi Nakao’s bittersweet film resembles a docudrama about what happens to the physical world as memories and people fade.

• ‘Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway’ follow-up is a treat for fans who know their lore

  Packed with politics, callbacks and deep-cut franchise history, the latest “Gundam” film trusts its audience to keep up.

• 'Ghost and the Shell' exhibition aims for maximum visual impact

  A new, sprawling exhibition about the seminal cyberpunk franchise “Ghost in the Shell” celebrates 30 years of cultural influence.

Sports news from Japan Times

• Anna Gasser and Kokomo Murase reach women's big air finals at Olympics

  Gasser will compete for a third consecutive ‍gold medal.

• Donald Trump takes aim at skier over comments about representing U.S.

  During a news conference in Milan on ​Friday, Hess, a ‌freestyle skier, said it was "a little hard" ‌to represent the U.S. and that he felt mixed emotions.

• Amber Glenn insists social media abuse did not impact performance

  The three-time U.S. champion was third in the free program in her Olympic debut.

• Japan's comeback bid falls just short as U.S. takes team figure skating gold in Milan

  Team Japan was nearly flawless on Sunday at the Milano Cortina Olympics, but Ilia Malinin had the last word.

• Lindsey Vonn breaks leg in brutal end to fairy-tale comeback at Olympics

  The American star had been trying to claim the fourth Olympic medal of her career despite suffering a ruptured ACL in her left knee just over a week ago.

• James Harden delivers in Cavs debut as Kings lose 12th straight

  The former MVP came ‍alive down ⁠the stretch, helping set off a game-ending 18-5 ‍run when he sank 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions.

• Raducanu hammered by Cirstea in first final since U.S. Open victory

  The tournament's top seed got off to a disastrous start in the Romanian city of Cluj, conceding the first eight games to her opponent.

• Kingsbury and Horishima set to renew moguls rivalry at Milano Cortina

  Canada’s Mikael Kingsbury is chasing gold at what might be his final Olympics, with Ikuma Horishima his main rival.

Life news from Japan Times

• ‘In Japan, people pack everything they love on their nails’

  Tokyo’s nail artists say their customers view their chosen designs as reflections of their inner selves.

• Against the grain: Japanese wine aged in local barrels

  A small but growing number of domestic winemakers are using vessels made from native trees such as “mizunara,” moving away from the norm of using European or American oak.

• Nioh 3: Demons, death and an early contender for game of the year

  Team Ninja’s latest hardcore action RPG will hurt — but it gives players ample tools to hit back even harder.

• Whip up sesame-crusted eggs for your Japanese breakfast

  When it comes to frying eggs in Japan, it's all about keeping the yolks runny. Get cracking with this recipe that can be done in a jiffy.

• How Japanese advertising breaks grammar to get your attention

  Japanese advertising may look chaotic, but the strange grammar, puns and omissions are carefully engineered to grab your attention.

• How to enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival like a local

  Snow, cold and crowds make Sapporo’s marquee winter event, running this year from Feb. 4 to 11, a must-see for travelers everywhere.

• In Saitama, Kam finds its garden-to-table concept ripe with potential

  Chef Masashi Motooka is making a name for himself with his deft execution of French cuisine paired with greens picked from his own backyard.

• Naha’s newest hotel is made from Okinawan culture — literally

  Open from Jan. 30, the Royal Park Hotel Iconic Naha incorporates numerous elements of the island’s heritage, including remnants of the incinerated Shuri Castle.

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