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

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

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

Kohfukuji Temple: under divine protection

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More Sports / Tennis

Back surgery rules Murray out of Japan Open

LONDON – World No. 3 Andy Murray has withdrawn from the upcoming Japan Open to undergo surgery on a long-standing back injury, organizers said Friday.

The 26-year-old Murray, who became the first British man in 77 years to win the singles title at Wimbledon this year, has a disc problem in his lower back and is set to miss this year’s remaining tour events, British media reported Thursday.

The injury flared up in May, forcing him to withdraw from the French Open, according to the BBC. He will reportedly undergo surgery on Monday.

Murray beat Rafael Nadal to win the Japan Open singles title in 2011 and also won the doubles title that year with his brother Jamie.

The Japan Open takes place at Ariake Tennis Forest Park in Tokyo from Sept. 30-Oct. 6.

TOKYO (9 p.m.)

Sports

Economy | ANALYSIS

Households to take hit from tax hike

by Tomoko Otake

Consumption tax raise misdirected

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY

A welcome sign: Tantrums may be on the way out

by Danielle Demetriou

Issues | JUST BE CAUSE

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

by Debito Arudou

Art

Kohfukuji Temple: under divine protection

by C.B. Liddell

MLB

Pirates roar past Reds

More Sports / Tennis

Back surgery rules Murray out of Japan Open

Photos