Latest Reporting by The Japan Times
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China voices angst over Taiwan as Pacific Island leaders meet
Taiwan's foreign minister attended the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, providing Taipei with a rare platform for international participation. This diplomatic engagement has prompted concerns and objections from China, which opposes official recognition of Taiwan on the global stage.
The inclusion of Taiwan in regional Pacific summits highlights the ongoing diplomatic friction between Beijing and Taipei over international recognition.
Toyohiro Akiyama, first Japanese citizen to go to space, dies at 84
Toyohiro Akiyama, who made history as the first Japanese citizen to travel into space, has passed away at the age of 84. After his historic flight, the former journalist transitioned to farming and expressed hope that future generations would cultivate independent and free-thinking perspectives.
Takaichi participates in simulated earthquake drill on Disaster Prevention Day
Japanese official Sanae Takaichi participated in an annual disaster prevention drill simulating a major earthquake. The exercise tested emergency response procedures for an 8.3-magnitude seismic event off the coast of Hokkaido.
Shein shares plunge 10% in Hong Kong debut after rocky road to IPO
Fast-fashion retailer Shein experienced a significant decline in its share value during its initial trading session in Hong Kong. The stock dropped below its initial public offering price early in the day before experiencing a partial recovery.
Poland pivots to homegrown defense production as it builds Europe’s biggest army
Poland is heavily investing in domestic military manufacturing to establish the largest ground army in Europe. Officials cite the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine and the perceived existential threat from Russia as the primary drivers for this strategic shift.
Farm ministry to buy back 210,000 tons of rice released from its stockpiles
Japan's agricultural ministry plans to purchase 210,000 tons of rice to replenish national reserves. This action follows a previous release of stockpiles intended to stabilize consumer prices, which substantially reduced the available grain inventory.
Trump to spend $4 million bolstering right-wing media in Europe, sources say
According to reports, the Trump administration plans to allocate $4 million to support right-wing media outlets in Europe. This initiative has raised concerns among European officials, some of whom view the funding as political interference and a potential source of diplomatic friction.
Peru is losing a battle against illegal gold mining in its rainforests
Even when operations to disrupt illegal gold mines go according to plan, it's only a matter of days before miners return, said a federal prosecutor involved in the operations.
Apple claims OpenAI is using confidential Apple material and destroying evidence
A court brief has been filed in support of Apple's motion for expedited pretrial fact-finding in the lawsuit, which accuses the ChatGPT-maker of stealing trade secrets.
Lindsey Vonn’s ‘long road’ back still includes ACL repair
Vonn, 41, tore her ACL in a World Cup race in Switzerland on Jan. 30, just a week before the start of the Milano Cortina Olympics.
Victims of 2001 fire in Tokyo’s Kabukicho remembered
Bereaved loved ones paid their respects at the site of the early-morning fire that claimed 44 lives 25 years ago.
Five missing Japanese nationals highlighted in top envoy’s dialogue with Nepal
The Japanese government has decided to provide blankets, tents and other relief goods, and is considering dispatching a disaster relief team.
Osaka brings style and steel for winning start to U.S. Open
Naomi Osaka unveiled another bold Grand Slam walk-on outfit before battling to a victory over unseeded Russian Anastasia Zakharova.
Japan and Belgium defense ministers agree to deepen security ties
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi welcomed Belgium's first assignment of a defense attache to its embassy in Tokyo, describing the move as highly significant.
Japan’s Kiuchi says record budget requests need broad comparison
Japan's economic and fiscal policy minister Kiuchi says the record budget requests need to be compared broadly. He notes that next year's budget should reflect rising prices and wages while aiming to strengthen the economy's growth potential.
North Korea-U.S. summit ‘possible at any time,’ Seoul spy agency says
South Korea's National Intelligence Service has analyzed that while there is no known concrete contact between the two sides, there are signs of dialogue.
Saka earns Arsenal narrow victory at troubled Villa
Aston Villa remains pointless and without a goal and will be anxious to try and boost its squad ahead of the transfer window closing on Tuesday.
Giants receiver Nabers praises OBJ for leadership
Malik Nabers is keeping the timetable for his return private, but the Giants receiver is excited about the return of Odell Beckham Jr., who earned a place on the 53-man roster.
Argentines hoped Messi would stay forever
Lionel Messi's long-anticipated international retirement still came as a shock in Argentina, where the World Cup winner became far more than a soccer star.
Easy Japanese in focus as way to deliver information to foreign nationals
A survey targeting foreign nationals living in Tokyo found 41.3% want to read information in easy Japanese, higher than 35.9% seeking information in English.
