The legislation obliges local governments to make efforts to set up regional councils made up of groups offering aid to people suffering from isolation.

The passage of the bill, which extends the operating period to over 60 years, paves the way for an overhaul of the country's nuclear policy.

The operator of the expressway has warned of traffic jams during the two-week period, which started May 27, similar to those typically seen at year-end.

The rocket carrying the country's first military spy satellite failed due to engine problems, state-run media said, after the launch prompted Japan to briefly issue ...

The country is known for its strict gun-control laws, but recent shootings have prompted some to wonder how stringent they actually are.