Opposition offers alternatives to food consumption tax cut in parliamentary debate
Having made the policy central to her economic agenda, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces a test of whether she can create tangible household relief.
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Seoul to pull embassy staff from Kyiv over North Korea prisoner disclosure
The announcement comes less than two weeks after South Korea said it was recalling its ambassador to Ukraine, deepening the diplomatic rift.
‘Two Cigarettes, Three Nights’ explores messy emotions and moral compromises
The filmmaker talks about intimacy, moral ambiguity and the art of portraying flawed characters in her TIFF Competition entry.
Chinese AI tool used in cyberattacks on Japanese companies, investigation finds
The threat of cyberattacks for Japanese companies has grown recently, as the number of companies disclosing data breaches continues to rise.
China’s panda diplomacy is losing its charm
Perhaps the true message of this "panda diplomacy" lies in the manipulation and exploitation it embodies.
Politics of the potato front and center for Japan’s new agriculture minister
Arata Takebe's Hokkaido constituents might oppose a push to increase potato imports from the U.S.
Former truck driver gets seven-year sentence for killing six in expressway crash
During the trial, the prosecution argued that the driver had been watching the video sharing app TikTok on her smartphone at the time of the accident.
Under pledge to U.S., Japan’s chip investment divided between home and abroad
The $550 billion commitment to the Trump administration, in return for lower tariffs, won't do much to resurrect Japan's chip industry, experts say.
Electronic warrant system to be rolled out in Tokyo and nearby areas by March
Currently, police officers need to visit courts in person to obtain printed arrest and search warrants.
Japan slams lack of access to journalist detained in Russia
Russia arrested a journalist from the Hokkaido Shimbun on the Far East island of Sakhalin a week ago on suspicion of espionage.
One year in, Takaichi administration’s public support remains largely intact
Even after a scandal forced a ministerial resignation, major opinion polls show nearly half of respondents continue to back the Cabinet.
Japan needs higher interest rates
A weak yen, combined with higher interest rates in the US, calls for a much tighter monetary policy.
Fewer than 1 in 3 families want a second child amid rising costs, study finds
Research by Meiji Yasuda Life found that there was an almost 57% drop in the number of parents wanting a second child compared to 2020.
Saudi Arabia’s MBS is facing his greatest challenge
MBS must somehow shore up faith in his promise to build a modern, secure and respected nation.
Declared dead: Indian voters fight to get back on electoral rolls
The name deletions have triggered a political storm, with opposition parties and youth groups staging near-daily protests in New Delhi and elsewhere.
Top NPB slugger Teruaki Sato set to test MLB market
Teruaki Sato, the reigning Central League MVP and presumptive favorite for the award this year, won the CL Triple Crown this season.
Natixis buys Japanese advisory firm to join M&A dealmaking boom
Natixis has been working to expand in Japan, growing its sales and trading team, strengthening its lending business and opening a bank branch.
Two-run homers send Rays past Guardians into World Series
The Rays recorded their third straight win to capture the American League Championship Series in six games.
49ers remain unbeaten after staving off Commanders’ comeback bid
The 49ers withstood a second-half rally by Washington and moved to 6-0 for the first time since 2019, when they opened with eight straight wins.
The ‘Tequila Crisis’ and Mexico’s long economic hangover
The downside is that Mexico's focus on stability may have come at the expense of faster economic expansion.
KDDI subsidiary faces criticism and questions over Mongolian wildfire
Mobicom is also likely to be hit with compensation claims after a company vehicle ignites a blaze in a nature preserve.
Seoul vows ‘resolute punishment’ after North Korea threatens new border measures
The escalation and exchange of threats has raised the possibility of clashes along the heavily armed border.
Koizumi lauds shift as more universities apply for defense research subsidy program
The defense minister characterized the development as a break from academia's once deep-seated aversions to being involved in national security.
Japan’s Katayama vows fiscal prudence on defense funding
The remarks come after local media reported that the government was weighing an additional corporate tax hike to finance the measure.
Ronaldo handed 30-day suspension after walking out on Portugal
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star will also have to pay a fine of €255 ($286).
Keidanren to develop 2050 vision against backdrop of AI and population decline
The body will hold discussions on topics such as education, regional revitalization, policies for foreign nationals and social security.
Daiwa and Mizuho win China securities permits as some U.S. firms wait
The development comes after China's Vice Premier He Lifeng hosted a senior trade delegation from Japan in March to discuss expanding bilateral trade.
Japan considering paper-digital hybrid textbooks as standard
The education ministry's plan calls for placing more emphasis on paper-based materials while giving a supplementary role to digital materials.
As midterms loom, Trump seizes on France unrest for political gain
While the French protests were inspired by inflation, the U.S. president has molded them into evidence in favor of the anti-immigration policies.
Lakers release former first-round pick Dalton Knecht
The move to release Knecht means that Bronny James and Jaden Hardy will make the Lakers' opening-night roster.
Empress Emerita Michiko turns 92 while enjoying peaceful life
The Empress Emerita now takes shorter walks, but there is no major change in her overall health condition
Milan luxury shops close for fear of new unrest as government prepares to deploy troops
Several hundred hooded demonstrators, many believed to be minors, set bins ablaze and looted shops in the city center over the weekend.
Data-center firm Elice plunges in South Korea IPO, raising more doubts over AI boom
The Seoul-based neocloud service provider raised 201 billion won ($151 million) in the Kosdaq's biggest initial public offering this year.
Svitolina announces end of marriage to Monfils as Ukrainian cites toll of war
The couple married in July 2021 and welcomed a daughter, Skai, in October 2022.
South Korea’s $1 trillion chip bet to revive left-behind region risks Trump’s ire
Washington has bluntly said that it wants more of South Korea's artificial intelligence expansion to happen in the United States.
MTR bets $5 billion on a Hong Kong city that doesn’t exist yet
The economic centerpiece of the Northern Metropolis' development is a tech hub designed to be Hong Kong's Silicon Valley.
Eagles quarterback Hurts set to miss rest of season due to blood clots
Jalen Hurts is clinically stable and his treatment should only involve blood thinners, which will rule him out of contact activities.
Japan’s permanent residency reform has a glaring blind spot
Japan is moving toward implementation before it has clearly explained how those skills will be evaluated or demonstrated in practice.
Technologies seen at Osaka Expo increasingly being put into practice
Heart muscle cells, a "human washing machine" and a flying car have all seen new interest or progress since the event.
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil asks U.S. Supreme Court to hear case
Mahmoud Khalil faces the prospect of arrest and deportation if the lower court's decision is allowed to stand.
Australian lawmaker in critical condition after vehicle attack
Independent Helen Haines was struck outside her office in an incident the country's prime minister said was a deliberate act.
Houthi attack on Yemen government camp kills over 50, officials say
It marked the deadliest attack in weeks as fighting escalates after the collapse of a yearslong truce.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine got no warning of overnight Russian missile strike
In all, Russia fired 16 ballistic missiles overnight at Kyiv and the surrounding region and more than 200 drones.
Alberta voters reject separation from Canada as Carney triumphs
The long referendum campaign created divisions in the country's energy heartland.
France imposes curfews in parts of Paris and other cities after riots
The weekend of looting and violence followed weeks of student demonstrations, highlighting pressures from a weak economy and surging debt.
‘25 Years of You’: Is there such a thing as a ‘good’ stalker?
In Nippon TV's "25 Years of You," two obsessive men go head to head for attention from the same woman — with uncomfortable results.
From Harvard to Tokyo screens, one actor takes the leap
For Canadian American actor Meisha Brooks, acting in Tokyo was a dream she just recently made reality.
Trump open to trilateral summit with Putin and Xi but wants denuclearization focus
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed a summit for talks on the war in Ukraine, possibly during next month's APEC summit in China.
Trump approval falls to record low of 31% as midterms near, poll finds
For Republicans, losing control of either chamber of the U.S. Congress could complicate Trump's agenda in the last two years of his term.
Japan launches probe in historic bid to collect sample from Mars moon
The five-year mission — the first to attempt to land on a Martian moon — could shed light on the origins of the solar system and life on Earth.
A millennium ago, (almost) everyone in Japan was a poet
Japan's oldest poetry anthology captures a world of beauty, humor, love and sorrow that feels remarkably familiar.
Over 16% of Japanese companies experience data breaches
According to the survey, 30.2% of large companies suffered or potentially suffered breaches, significantly higher than 14.3% among small businesses.
Japan to restart accepting foreign workers for meal services at some facilities
The government aims to adopt the plan at a Cabinet meeting in December.
China reveals advanced nuclear sub was used to test-fire missile
China had only conducted two publicly known ICBM tests in the Pacific before July, and both were land-based launches.
New species of sperm whale identified from fossils found in Gunma
The species combines traits of ancient and modern sperm whales, and is the third new sperm whale species identified from fossils in Japan.
Tensions overshadow 70th anniversary of key Japan-Soviet declaration
In response to Japanese sanctions, Russia has suspended peace treaty talks and asserted that a territorial dispute has been settled.
Sydney’s new $4 billion airport set to open with barely any flights
Western Sydney International is already drawing unfavorable comparisons with airports elsewhere that ultimately failed to live up to expectations.
Cases of consumers disputing personal training contracts rise
Hundreds of people are raising concerns that they were talked into multiple contracts after starting out on a trial or discount sign-up offer.
Fukushima University to undergo overhaul with greater science focus
The university is responding to calls from industries for workers capable of supporting growth sectors such as artificial intelligence.
World faces nature reality check at U.N. biodiversity conference
Scientists say many of the broader goals needed to halt biodiversity loss remain well off track.
JICA and the World Bank should put the poor first
Poor people are vulnerable to everything — disease, hunger, broken infrastructure and economic shocks. The question is will climate policy help them.
Asian Para Games officially open in Nagoya
About 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are scheduled to participate. The Japanese delegation has entered about 280 athletes.
Why harassment scandals continue engulfing Japan’s local leaders
The former mayor of Yokohama lost his reelection bid following a harassment scandal, in a case that highlights an ongoing problem in the nation.
[Update 2] Report on Unauthorized Access to Group Managed Server and Potential Data Leak
The Japan Times, Ltd. and News2u Holdings, Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "our Group") hereby provide an update on the progress of the investigation and monitoring being conducted in cooperation with external specialized organizations regarding the unauthorized access to our Group managed server, originally…
Legacy of Japanese woman’s apple pie store lives on in California
Locals in California have loved the Nagoya native's apple pie shop for more than 40 years, with some having simply referred to her as "Mom."
LeBron James gears up for another title run at age 41 with 76ers
James made it clear in July when he announced he was joining the 76ers that his move was all about making one more title run.
Global food inflation is expected to intensify as supply shocks pile up
The world's poorest consumers are being hit the hardest as food prices rise in many countries across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.
El Nino-powered drought leaves Indonesian palm farmers high and dry as river recedes
Palm oil mills accounting for roughly half of West Kalimantan province's processing capacity have been affected by the transportation disruptions.
Culture council eyes Osaka Castle’s main tower as important cultural property
The designations would bring the total number of buildings designated Important Cultural Properties to 2,619, including 235 National Treasures.
Second minister visits Yasukuni Shrine during its autumn festival
Liberal Democratic Party General Council chair Hiroshi Kajiyama also made a ritual cash offering on behalf of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Daiichi Life offers $4.4 billion to buy rest of Challenger
A deal would give the Japanese insurer control of Australia's largest provider of annuities in the nation's fast-growing retirement market.
One dead and 13 taken to hospital after multivehicle accident in Fujisawa
A passenger car appears to have struck several vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, then collided with the back of a bus.
‘We’ve never had this’: Bear sightings spook Russia
At least 26 people have been killed in bear attacks this year, seven of which were in Siberia's Krasnodar region, according to Russian state media.
Possibility of Putin-Trump-Xi summit on Ukraine raises eyebrows in Asia
Russia's Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping to talk about ending the Ukraine war.
China’s growth rebound tops forecasts to close in on annual goal
The improvement in the economy should give policymakers some breathing room, allowing them to hold off on further easing.
Japan Series matchup puts surprising trade back in spotlight
Three players from the biggest trade of the year will line up against their former teams.
Japan aims to soothe world traders’ fiscal anxiety with outreach in English
Foreign investors held 13% of Japanese Government Bonds at the end of June, up from about 8% in 2012.
Kioxia shares face headwinds from margin-buying gone wrong
Outstanding leveraged long positions in the stock was the largest as of Oct. 15 among all companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Nidec legal reckoning reaches founder and shares drop to decade low
A crisis that has prompted the motor maker's biggest shareholder to call for a review of privatization options has deepened.
Rays beat Guardians in Game 5 to take another step toward World Series
Yandy Diaz had three hits and scored a run, and Drew Rasmussen carried a shutout into the sixth inning
India’s latest student protests pin Modi on revision of electoral rolls
A reversal by the Indian leader would hand a victory to his opponents and call into question recent election wins for his ruling party.
Japan to expand language education for foreign residents
The education ministry plans to help local governments strengthen their teaching programs through subsidies and expert guidance.
As obstacles to peace go, Zelenskyy ranks below Trump
In the hierarchy of politicians responsible for the continuation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy ranks only third, after Putin and Trump.
Japan to boost police investigations with advanced technology
"We can't keep up with attacks using the latest AI if police equipment lags behind," said the National Public Safety Commission chairperson.
Japan’s brewery ‘cartel’ didn’t collude enough
If the beer company collusion allegations are true, customers have been paying more than needed for years.
Two koalas debut at Saitama zoo, marking first arrivals from Australia in a decade
Bringing in koalas from overseas is considered important for maintaining genetic diversity among koalas in Japan.
McLaren to sell Formula One cars driven by former champions and Brad Pitt
The cars will be sold through high-end dealer Tom Hartley Jr. and are expected to raise tens of millions of dollars.
Parents of student killed in Henoko boat accident call for stronger safety measures
The bereaved parents met with the governor of Okinawa Prefecture for the first time since the accident in March.
Japan moves to improve conditions for SDF personnel amid staff shortage
Government and LDP officials are concerned that a shortage of staff could make it harder for Japan to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Knicks ready to raise championship banner to start new NBA season
New York went 16-3 in the postseason and won 13 straight games between the first round and the NBA Finals.
Anthropic to commit 5% stake to new ‘public benefit fund’
Anthropic said the fund could support initiatives that include efforts to address artificial intelligence's impact on the labor market.
NFL says Paris game to go ahead as planned despite unrest in France
The Oct. 25 game will be the NFL's first regular-season contest in France.
Pope Leo pledges gradual return to duties in first event since cancer surgery
Pope Leo, who was only elected in May 2025, has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Grass fire at Canadian military base kills four and injures 39
An official described the sudden high winds and spread of the fire as an "uncommon, rapid" event in which flames advanced 1 km in 30 to 60 seconds.
Captain of Flydubai plane describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked
The captain of the Flydubai flight said the scariest thing he felt after his co-pilot began attacking him was the aircraft nose "steeply going down."
Zelenskyy says Trump is pushing Ukraine to capitulate to Russia
The Ukrainian leader also offered to accede to Trump's request to stop targeting Russian refineries in exchange for Patriot missile deliveries.
Yokohama elects new mayor after power harassment controversy
The poll was held after former Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka's resignation in September over a workplace harassment scandal.
France seeks to curb violence as wave of unrest hits Europe
Scenes of destruction spanned multiple French cities, with around 1,000 police and firefighters injured.
Takaichi’s support rate falls below 50%, lowest since taking office, Kyodo reports
The decline might have been affected by Takaichi's slow response surrounding the resignation of Kazuo Yana as the nation's farm minister.
In tourist-weary Kyoto, U.S. college targets deeper ties between students and residents
Pepperdine University's new year-round Japan program aims to give students an immersive experience while they continue their usual areas of study.