Japan

The US Defense Department says Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has pledged US support for Israel amid the possibility of Iranian retaliation for an airstrike on its embassy in Syria. The Pentagon said that Austin spoke over the phone with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Thursday. It said…

Matsumoto Castle is one of the iconic sights-to-see in Japan and it likely attracted a record number of tourists from overseas in the year through March. Authorities in Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture estimate around 160,000 overseas travelers visited the castle in central Japan. That's up more than 20,000…

A low-pressure system accompanied by a rain front has brought downpours and strong winds to wide areas from eastern to northern Japan. The Meteorological Agency says the low-pressure system and rain front were moving eastward in the Kanto-Koshin region on Tuesday morning, bringing heavy rain to wide areas. Agency…

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's largest vessel has been partially modified to operate F-35B stealth fighter jets. The upgraded flight deck of the destroyer Kaga was shown to the media on Monday at the MSDF base in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The first stage of the modification work was completed last…

Japan, the United States and the Philippines are expected to agree on a plan to set up a new framework on maritime cooperation aimed at keeping China in check. US President Joe Biden will meet Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Washington on Wednesday. Kishida will be visiting as state guest.…

The Tokyo Stock Exchange's benchmark index ended Friday's session sharply lower, following declines overnight of all three major gauges in New York. A rise in the WTI crude oil futures on the back of growing tensions in the Middle East triggered inflation worries among investors. The Nikkei 225 ended the week at…

Myanmar's pro-democracy camp says it launched drone attacks on the military headquarters and an air base in the heavily guarded capital. The National Unity Government says the operations were staged simultaneously in Naypyitaw on Thursday. Myanmar's state-run broadcaster said 13 drones flew into…

The Bank of Japan is joining six other central banks to test what could be the future of money. The group is trying to smooth banking transactions by using digital currencies. The Swiss-based Bank for International Settlements announced the test on Wednesday. It will involve the Federal Reserve Bank of New York…

Japan's meteorological agency has lifted a tsunami advisory for Okinawa Prefecture in the country's southwest. However, officials are warning residents to stay alert as more tremors are possible. Officials say a 30-centimeter tsunami was observed at Yonaguni Island at 9:18 a.m. and also at Miyako Island at 10:50…

Daihatsu Motor has been overtaken as Japan's best-selling minicar maker for the first time in 18 years, as sales fell following a certification scandal. The Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association says rival Suzuki Motor sold over 552,251 new minicars in Japan in the fiscal year ended in March.…