The consumption tax increase will hit every household in Japan hard, with many people’s financial future hanging on whether their wages rise enough to offset the hike's impact.

Consumption tax raise misdirected

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe confirms that the government will raise the sales tax from 5 to 8 percent beginning in April. But will the tax hike lead to an economic downturn

A welcome sign: Tantrums may be on the way out

by Danielle Demetriou

Every parent is all too familiar with The Tantrum. The screaming, the flailing arms, the angry head butting — and the timing (normally in the most inconvenient public place possible).

Triumph of Tokyo Olympic bid sends wrong signal to Japan's resurgent right

by Debito Arudou

International events undermine Japan's democracy. Shame on the International Olympic Committee for being a party to it.

Kohfukuji Temple: under divine protection

by C.B. Liddell

Tucked away behind the main museums in Ueno, the Tokyo University Art Museum may not be on most people's radar, but it is definitely one of the city's top museums in terms of curatorial quality.

Pirates roar past Reds

Francisco Liriano showed up at PNC Park on Tuesday afternoon in a suit with his suitcase packed for a trip St. Louis. The message reverberated through the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse. After 21 years away from the playoffs, it was time for the best story ...

Asia Pacific / Crime & Legal

Police file charges in Mumbai rape

MUMBAI – Police in Mumbai have filed charges against four men and a juvenile in the gang rape of a photojournalist that fueled further debate about women’s safety after a fatal assault in New Delhi sparked mass protests.

The 600-page charge sheet cites 86 witnesses and DNA evidence, the Press Trust of India reported Thursday. A separate charge sheet was filed against the minor boy.

The 22-year-old photojournalist was on assignment with a male colleague at an abandoned textile mill Aug. 22 when they were approached by several men who offered to gain permission to shoot photos in the building. Once inside, the pair were attacked. The male colleague was beaten and tied up while the attackers took turns raping the woman.

TOKYO (12 p.m.)

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Economy | ANALYSIS

Households to take hit from tax hike

by Tomoko Otake