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

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

Lifestyle | CHILD'S PLAY

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).

Issues | JUST BE CAUSE

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.

Art

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. Whenever I go there, I am always delighted by ...

MLB

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 ...

More Sports / Ice Hockey

D.C. set to host 2015 Winter Classic

WASHINGTON – A person familiar with the situation says the Winter Classic is coming to Washington in 2015.

The NHL’s annual New Year’s Day showcase will be played in the nation’s capital for the first time.

The person Friday confirmed the news to AP on condition of anonymity because Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis is expected to make a formal announcement Saturday.

Leonsis has lobbied to host the game for several years. The Capitals played in the 2011 game as the visiting team against Pittsburgh.

TOKYO (7 a.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 / Ice Hockey

D.C. set to host 2015 Winter Classic