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 ...

Baseball / MLB

Yanks compensate fans for mix-up

NEW YORK – Some Yankees fans are getting a free pass for a home game next year, thanks to the foul-up on Mariano Rivera bobblehead night.

A day after the late delivery of Rivera figurines caused a ruckus at Yankee Stadium, the team said any fan with a ticket from Tuesday night’s game can get a free seat for a game next year — except for the home opener and old-timers’ day.

Because of a transportation issue, the bobbleheads didn’t arrive until the third inning of the game against Tampa Bay. The first 18,000 fans were to have received the dolls, and they were given vouchers. The bobbleheads arrived in the third inning, and there were long lines of fans lined up to receive them.

TOKYO (7 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

Baseball / MLB

Yanks compensate fans for mix-up