TOKYO — Health supplement products believed to have caused two deaths and sickened more than 100 people have been ordered to be taken off store shelves in Japan. The products from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., billed as helping to lower cholesterol, contained an ingredient called “benikoji,” a red species of mold. In addition to the products … Read more
North Korea said Monday that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has proposed a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as the North urged Japan to show sincerity toward improving bilateral ties and realizing their countries’ first summit in about 20 years. Japan’s government did not immediately respond to the North Korean announcement. In … Read more
TOKYO — Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Friday visited towns in the north-central region of Noto to pray for victims of the deadly New Year’s Day earthquake and console thousands of homeless living in evacuation centers. The magnitude 7.6 quake killed 241 people. Four are still missing. More than 9,000 residents whose homes … Read more
In the U.S., where dates are written month-first, March 14, or 3.14, is celebrated by mathematics enthusiasts as Pi Day. But for romantics, especially in Asia, it’s another holiday that marks a different kind of full-circle moment. White Day, which takes place exactly one month later, is seen as a sequel to Valentine’s Day. In … Read more
TOMIOKA, Japan — The U.S. and Japanese militaries will resume flights of Osprey aircraft in Japan after completing necessary maintenance and training following a fatal crash in southern Japan last November, officials said Wednesday. The Osprey aircraft, which can take off like a helicopter and then fly like an airplane, has had a troubled history, … Read more
Space One Co., a Japanese startup backed by Canon Inc., failed to send its first rocket to space, a major setback in efforts to join a booming market for commercial launches. The lightweight Kairos rocket exploded in flames just seconds after taking off around 11 a.m. Wednesday morning local time from Space Port Kii, about … Read more
UE Lady Warriors coach staff Hideo Suzuki, Obet Vital, Jerry Yee, and Shota Sato for the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball. –SGA HANDOUT MANILA, Philippines — University of the East has tapped Kurashiki Ablaze assistant coach Shota Sato and opposite spiker Asaka Tamaru to join the women’s volleyball team coaching staff, hoping to turn the … Read more
Six couples are suing the Japanese government over a law that requires married spouses to have the same surname, the latest legal challenge against a century-old custom that many argue perpetuates inequality, as well as personal and practical harm. Ten plaintiffs—including legal and common law couples—will file suit in a Tokyo district court and one … Read more
Booming numbers of foreign visitors to Japan are driving up prices at restaurants near tourist spots, as a weaker yen makes the country a bargain destination and local wages struggle to keep up with a broader rise in costs. Emblematic of this is the ¥6,980 ($46.52) sashimi-topped rice bowl at Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, a new retail … Read more
A Renesas Electronics Corp. central processing unit (CPU) board and microcontrollers. Kiyoshi Ota | Bloomberg | Getty Images Japanese semiconductor firm Renesas Electronics said Thursday that it would acquire Sydney-listed software company Altium for 9.1 billion Australian dollars ($5.89 billion) in cash, as it seeks to streamline its electronics design process. Renesas said it would … Read more