Japan News

Hatoyama's DPJ wins two seats in Japan's upper house

Hatoyama's DPJ wins two seats in Japan's upper house
AFP - Monday, October 26

TOKYO (AFP) - - Candidates from new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's party won two by-elections for Japan's upper house on Sunday, in the first test for the centre-left government, officials results showed. More »

  • Japan navy holds review amid questions over future

    AP - Monday, October 26

    ABOARD THE JS KURAMA - Japan's navy held its triennial fleet review Sunday, its first major demonstration of power under the country's new government, which has vowed to cut back on some of its already limited activities overseas.

  • Japan PM in no hurry on US base relocation deal

    Japan PM in no hurry on US base relocation deal

    AFP - Sunday, October 25

    TOKYO (AFP) - - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said Sunday he was in no hurry to make a decision on relocating a controversial US military base in Japan before President Barack Obama's visit next month.

  • Japan govt coalition partner rejects US base proposal

    Japan govt coalition partner rejects US base proposal

    AFP - Saturday, October 24

    TOKYO (AFP) - - A coalition partner of Japan's centre-left government on Saturday voiced opposition to a fresh proposal for keeping a controversial US base within the southern Japanese island of Okinawa.

  • Japan to say U.S. relevant to Asia grouping idea

    Reuters - Saturday, October 24

    ABOARD JAPAN GOVERNMENT AIRCRAFT (Reuters) - Japan will stress that U.S. involvement is important to its idea of forming an East Asian Community when it pitches the concept to Asian leaders this weekend, a top government official said on Friday.

  • Electric cars take on hybrids at Tokyo show

    AFP - Thursday, October 22

    CHIBA, Japan (AFP) - - Futuristic concept cars, plug-in hybrids, zero-emission electric vehicles and even a hydrogen-powered scooter jostled for the limelight as the Tokyo Motor Show kicked off on Wednesday.

  • One in six Japanese living in poverty: survey

    One in six Japanese living in poverty: survey

    AFP - Wednesday, October 21

    TOKYO (AFP) - - Nearly one in every six Japanese lives in poverty, one of the highest rates among developed countries, according to the latest survey by Japan's welfare ministry.

  • Gates presses Japan to

    Gates presses Japan to "move on" with base pact

    AFP - Wednesday, October 21

    TOKYO (AFP) - - US Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday pressed Japan to quickly "move on" with a plan to relocate a controversial US military base to a new area of southern Okinawa island.

  • Astro Boy manga to hit US iPhones

    Astro Boy manga to hit US iPhones

    AFP - Wednesday, October 21

    TOKYO (AFP) - - Japan's Astro Boy and other comic heroes by late manga legend Osamu Tezuka will soon appear on iPhones and iPods in the United States, Japanese companies said Tuesday.

  • Japan lawmakers visit war shrine, PM stays away

    Japan lawmakers visit war shrine, PM stays away

    AFP - Tuesday, October 20

    TOKYO (AFP) - - More than 50 Japanese politicians on Tuesday visited a controversial war shrine in Tokyo, but the new centre-left Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and his cabinet stayed away.

  • No alternative to US forces in Japan deal: Gates

    No alternative to US forces in Japan deal: Gates

    AFP - Tuesday, October 20

    ABOARD A US MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AFP) - - Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday ruled out reopening negotiations on a deal to relocate a US airbase in Okinawa, saying alternatives had proven "unworkable."

  • Japan's empress appeals for nuke-free world

    Japan's empress appeals for nuke-free world

    AFP - Tuesday, October 20

    TOKYO (AFP) - - Japan's Empress Michiko on her 75th birthday Tuesday issued a call for the abolition of atomic weapons and praised US President Barack Obama's push for a nuclear-free world.

  • Gates: Disputed US airfield should stay on Okinawa

    AP - Wednesday, October 21

    TOKYO - U.S. leaders expect Japan's new government to stick with already-forged agreements between the two nations, America's top defense official said Tuesday amid debate over whether to shutter a U.S. military air field on Okinawa.

  • Japan first lady awarded for looking good in jeans

    AP - Tuesday, October 20

    TOKYO - She's been called Japan's most colorful first lady for her cheerful character and quirky comments.

  • Japan catches 59 whales off northern island

    AP - Tuesday, October 20

    TOKYO - Japan said Monday it has caught 59 whales _ one short of the maximum allowed by international guidelines _ under a research program that critics say is a cover for commercial whaling.

  • Japan's first lady honoured as 'jeans ambassador'

    Japan's first lady honoured as 'jeans ambassador'

    AFP - Tuesday, October 20

    TOKYO (AFP) - - Japan's first lady Miyuki Hatoyama, who has made headlines with tales of her alien encounters, drew fresh media attention on Monday -- for being a fashion ambassador for humble blue jeans.