japan

Japan’s PM expresses ‘strong pain’ for South Korean victims of colonial rule

By Hyung-Jin Kim, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

Japan’s prime minister expressed sympathy for the suffering of Korean forced laborers during Japan’s colonial rule, as he and his South Korean counterpart on Sunday renewed resolve to overcome historical grievances and strengthen cooperation in the face of shared challenges.

Tokyo private company loses contact with moon lander moments before touchdown

By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

A Japanese company tried to land its own spacecraft on the moon early Wednesday, but its fate was unknown as flight controllers lost contact with it moments before the planned touchdown.

Attack on Japan’s prime minister raises questions about security for public figures

By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

The fishermen who tackled the man suspected of the second attack on a Japanese politician in less than a year said Sunday that they were surprised by the lack of security for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Police investigate explosion at Japanese prime minister’s campaign event

By Mari Yamaguchi, Foster Klug, Associated Press

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was evacuated unharmed Saturday after someone threw an explosive device in his direction while he was campaigning at a fishing port in western Japan, officials said.

North Korea launches new type of missile, sparks evacuation confusion in Japan

By Hyung-Jin Kim, Kim Tong-Hyung, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

A South Korean defense official said the military believes the test was of a new type of missile, possibly using solid fuel. It would be the first, if so.

8 things you didn’t know about Super Mario Bros.

By Kenichi Serino

Generations have sent him bopping along under sunny skies, shimmying down pipes and eating very large mushrooms, but Mario has rarely crossed over into television or film.

Japanese military searching for crashed helicopter carrying 10 crew

By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

The head of the Ground Self Defense Force, Yasunori Morishita, says the Black Hawk helicopter disappeared from radar on Thursday afternoon while on a reconnaissance mission north of Miyako island.

Ryuichi Sakamoto, world-renowned composer and musician, dies at 71

By Yuri Kageyama, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

Ryuichi Sakamoto, a world-renowned Japanese musician and actor who composed for Hollywood hits such as “The Last Emperor” and “The Revenant,” has died. He was 71.

Japan’s prime minister offers Ukraine support as China’s president backs Russia

By Karl Ritter, Associated Press

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made a surprise visit to Kyiv, stealing some of the global attention from Asian rival President Xi Jinping of China.

Leaders of Japan, Germany agree to increase economic, defense cooperation

By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday held the first round of government consultations in Tokyo and agreed to strengthen economic and defense ties to better cope with China's growing influence and global security concerns.