Japan News

Morgan Stanley hires SocGen’s former head of Japan regional bank sales

Naoyuki Kumon left Societe Generale earlier this year and started at Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities this week to work in a similar role.

The Japan Times Destination Restaurants が今年の受賞レストランを発表

株式会社ジャパンタイムズ（本社：東京都千代田区 代表取締役会長兼社長 末松弥奈子）は第6回 The Japan Times Destination Restaurants の受賞レストランを発表しました。

‘Embarrassment for Japan’: PM wants to cut sales tax but cash registers say no

Sanae Takaichi pledged to suspend an 8% levy on food sales, but retailers say their systems aren’t designed for a tax of zero per cent The Japanese government has pledged to suspend an 8% sales tax on food but says it is…

DIY and lifestyle store Hands exits Shibuya after 48 years

Beloved for its selection of stationery and crafts, as well as woodworking and gardening supplies, retailer Hands announced it will close its Shibuya location after 48 years.

Mayor to make Japanese history by going on maternity leave

A Japanese mayor will take maternity leave this year, becoming the first in the country's history to do so while in office.

Japan approves US$3 billion spending to help with energy bills

Actor files lawsuit against TikTok operator over AI-generated voice use

The lawsuit, filed with the Tokyo District Court by Kenjiro Tsuda last November, is believed to be the first of its kind in Japan.

Knicks sweep Cavs to make first NBA Finals since 1999

The 37-point defeat was the Cavaliers' largest ever in a playoff home game.

Yomiuri Giants’ Shinnosuke Abe quits after arrest over alleged assault on daughter

Shinnosuke Abe – manager of the Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s oldest and most storied professional baseball team – stepped down on Tuesday following his arrest on suspicion of assaulting his daughter. Abe, 47, resigned as mana…

Pope says AI should be ‘disarmed’ to avoid dominating humanity

Pope Leo XIV said artificial intelligence should be "disarmed” to protect humanity from its dangers, adding his voice to a heated debate over the extent to which governments should regulate a technology that is reshaping…

US carries out 'self-defence' strikes in Iran despite ceasefire

US forces attacked missile sites in southern Iran and boats trying to lay mines on Monday, US Central Command said, imperiling a fragile ceasefire and casting new doubt on a deal to end the Middle East war. The strikes c…

Giants manager Abe resigns after arrest for allegedly assaulting daughter

Abe, 47, who was apprehended at his home, admitted to the allegation against him.

Working-class Rayo Vallecano defies the odds to contest first European final

From the narrow streets of Vallecas to a European final in Leipzig, Rayo Vallecano has turned a season of conflict and resilience into the biggest night in its history.

Imai combines with relievers for MLB’s first no-hitter since 2024

Tatsuya Imai (2-2) walked four batters and struck out two over a career-high six innings.

As Quad Foreign Ministers meet, India-U.S. tensions, U.S.-China re-engagement and Iran war pose challenges

Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, Japan, U.S. to hold talks on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) morning

The parables of absurdity

AN entire genre of absurdist literature exists, wrapped in poetry and nursery rhymes, which has regaled the world for centuries. Occasionally, the humour and satire they spawn assume the form of an inscrutable poker-face…

For minorities, fear of World Cup immigration curbs overshadows soccer devotion

The risk of ICE activity around U.S. matches has sparked concerns among the Hispanic community, 20% of the U.S. population, and the Haitian community.

Suspected spray attack in Tokyo shopping centre leaves two dozen in hospital

Authorities said that a man allegedly sprayed a substance inside the building.

Japan slips to world’s no. 3 creditor behind Germany and China

Japan's net external assets rose to an all-time high at the end of 2025, but the total was surpassed by China's, which climbed at a faster pace.

Former execs of AI developer Alt found guilty of window dressing

Katsuya Asai, 46, and Takayuki Ariizumi, 53, were given suspended prison sentences, and the Tokyo-based company was fined ¥300 million.