May 07 North Korea test-fired ballistic missile from submarine, South Korea says By Kim Tong-Hyung, Associated Press South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launch occurred from waters near the eastern port city of Sinpo, where North Korea has a major shipyard building submarines. Continue reading
Apr 27 Japanese rail operator now entirely powered by renewable energy By Yuri Kageyama, Associated Press A Japanese railway company, Tokyu, says it now uses just solar and other renewable energy to power its sprawling train service. Continue reading
Apr 24 10 found dead after Japan tour boat with 26 aboard sinks By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press The search for the others is still ongoing after the boat sent a distress call on Saturday afternoon saying it was sinking. The location, near the Kashuni Waterfall, is known as a difficult place to maneuver boats because of its… Continue reading
Apr 23 Tour boat with 26 people aboard is missing in frigid Japan waters after distress call that it was sinking By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press No survivors have been found after more than 10 hours of intense search involving six patrol boats, five aircraft and divers. The coast guard said it will continue the search through the night. Continue reading
Apr 08 Japan announces expulsion of 8 Russian officials, imposes new sanctions By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says Moscow must be held accountable for "war crimes" in Ukraine. He says Japan will also ban imports of Russian lumber, vodka and other goods, and will prohibit new Japanese investment in Russia. Continue reading
Mar 25 North Korea confirms it fired biggest missile yet, U.S. adds sanctions By Kim Tong-Hyung, Associated Press North Korea says it test-fired its biggest-yet intercontinental ballistic missile under the orders of leader Kim Jong Un, who vowed to continue expanding his nuclear arsenal while preparing for a "long-standing confrontation" with the United States. Continue reading
Mar 24 In power play, North Korea fires test missile; U.S., Japan condemn actions By Kim Tong-Hyung, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press The launch, which extended North Korea’s barrage of weapons tests this year, came after the U.S. and South Korean militaries said the country was preparing a flight of a new large ICBM first unveiled in October 2020. Continue reading
Mar 16 Tsunami alert issued after 7.3 magnitude earthquake off Japan’s north coast By Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Fukushima in northern Japan, triggering a tsunami advisory and plunging more than 2 million homes in the Tokyo area into darkness. Continue reading
Jan 21 Biden has first formal talks with Japanese PM Kishida to discuss North Korea and China concerns By Aamer Madhani, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have held their first formal talks as they face fresh concerns about North Korea's nuclear program and China's growing military assertiveness. Continue reading
Dec 22 Organizers say Tokyo Olympics cost $1.8 billion less than expected By Stephen Wade, Associated Press The estimated official costs were $13.6 billion, according to organizers. Part of the reduction was because there were no fans — forced by the pandemic — and therefore vastly reduced labor costs. Continue reading