• Why Japan is boosting its arms budget and 'counterstrike capability'

    Why Japan is boosting its arms budget and 'counterstrike capability'

    Dec 17, 2022 05:23 PM EDT

    ... Japanese government's weak cybersecurity has been “a critical impediment to deeper alliance cooperation and expanded information-sharing,” according to Christopher Johnstone, senior advisor and Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Japan will spend 8 trillion yen ($58 billion) over the next five years on cross ...

  • As regional threats rise, Japan shifts away from defense-only strategy

    As regional threats rise, Japan shifts away from defense-only strategy

    Dec 16, 2022 07:18 PM EDT

    ... sets forth the vision of Prime Minister Kishida and the Japanese people for a broad and strong community of partners and allies in the region." “Japan's goal to significantly increase defense investments will also strengthen and modernize the U.S.-Japan alliance," he added. Japan says its exclusive self ...

  • New law in Japan takes aim at Unification Church's coercive fundraising tactics

    New law in Japan takes aim at Unification Church's coercive fundraising tactics

    Dec 10, 2022 07:45 PM EDT

    ... been mitigated for more than a decade and recently pledged further reforms. Experts say Japanese followers are asked to pay for sins committed by their ancestors during Japan’s 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, and that the majority of the church’s worldwide funding comes from Japan.

  • Japan, Belgium to cooperate in semiconductor production, development

    Japan, Belgium to cooperate in semiconductor production, development

    Dec 06, 2022 08:00 PM EDT

    TOKYO (AP) — A newly founded Japanese semiconductor company aiming to revive Japan’s chip industry signed an agreement on Tuesday to collaborate with a Belgian research organization in developing next-generation chips for production in Japan. Economy and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters that the new company, Rapidus, which ...

  • U.S., Japan, South Korea vow unified response to North Korea threat

    U.S., Japan, South Korea vow unified response to North Korea threat

    Nov 13, 2022 03:26 PM EDT

    President Joe Biden and the leaders of Japan and South Korea on Sunday vowed a unified, coordinated response to North Korea's threatening nuclear and ballistic missile programs, with Biden declaring that the three-way partnership is “even more important than it's ever been” when North Korea is stepping up its provocations.

  • Russian ambassador blames Japan for strained relations between other countries

    Russian ambassador blames Japan for strained relations between other countries

    Nov 11, 2022 08:26 PM EDT

    ... claims. In response to Japan's sanctions, Moscow has suspended talks on a peace treaty with Tokyo, including negotiations over Russian-held islands claimed by Japan, that would formally end their World War II hostilities. Galuzin, who is leaving his post in Tokyo, possibly later this month, said Japan should ...

  • Japan minister quits over execution remark

    Japan minister quits over execution remark

    Nov 11, 2022 07:18 PM EDT

    ... ties to the church go back to Abe's grandfather, former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, who supported its anti-communist stance and helped it take root in Japan. The police investigation of Abe's assassination also shed light on problems affecting family members of church followers, including poverty and neglect.

  • Tourists travel to Japan after COVID-19 restrictions lifted, expected to provide major economic boost

    Tourists travel to Japan after COVID-19 restrictions lifted, expected to provide major economic boost

    Oct 11, 2022 04:37 PM EDT

    With declining nervousness about the risks of infections, Japanese also are traveling more — encouraged by discounts offered by airlines, bullet trains, “onsen" hot springs resorts and hotels to jumpstart the ailing travel industry. Although Japan offers various attractions from the ski slopes of northern Hokkaido to the semi-tropical beaches ...

  • Myanmar court sentences Japanese journalist to prison after filming anti-government protest

    Myanmar court sentences Japanese journalist to prison after filming anti-government protest

    Oct 06, 2022 04:42 PM EDT

    ... in consideration of cordial relations between Myanmar and Japan up to now and in view of future bilateral relations, and upon the request of the Japanese government special envoy on Myanmar's national reconciliation."Japan has historically maintained warm relations with Myanmar, including under previous military government. It takes a ...

  • WATCH: State Department condemns North Korean missile launch toward Japan

    WATCH: State Department condemns North Korean missile launch toward Japan

    Oct 04, 2022 03:14 PM EDT

    The U.S. State Department echoed the White House in condemning North Korea's longest ever test launch of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile over Japan. Watch the briefing in the player above. The Biden administration describes the launch as a danger to the Japanese people, destabilizing to the region ...