National / Politics | FOCUS Aug 24, 2020

How possible successors stack up if Abe resigns

The prime minister visited a Tokyo hospital on Monday as concerns grew over his ability to continue in his post.

Business / Economy | FOCUS Jun 12, 2020

Women bear brunt of Japan's recession as pandemic unravels Abe's 'Womenomics'

Many women lack the job security of male workers, with more than half holding vulnerable part-time, contract or temporary jobs.

National / Science & Health | FOCUS Mar 17, 2020

In Nagoya, scramble for hospital beds highlights coronavirus challenge for aging Japan

To free up beds, patients requiring nonurgent surgery will likely be asked to wait, and others may be discharged earlier than usual, experts said.

National / Politics Feb 26, 2020

Critics ask 'Where's Abe?' as coronavirus spreads in Japan

As Japan struggles to stem the spread of a coronavirus within its borders, critics are asking, "Where's Abe?" Shinzo Abe, 65, Japan's longest serving prime minister, has failed to take the helm as the public face of the response to the virus, critics say, leaving ...

National / Crime & Legal Jan 1, 2020

Ghosn's escape may see Japan impose stronger bail conditions on defendants

Carlos Ghosn's daring flight from Japan, where he was awaiting trial on charges of financial wrongdoing, has revived global criticism of the nation's "hostage justice" system, but in Japan it is prompting talk of reversing more lenient curbs on defendants. The ousted boss of Nissan ...

National / History Nov 20, 2019

Japan's aging 'Hidden Christians' fear they may be their religion's last generation

His face weathered from years at sea, kimono-clad fisherman Masaichi Kawasaki kneels before an altar adorned with images of the Virgin Mary, crossing himself as he softly intones chants handed down through centuries. Kawasaki, 69, is one of a dwindling number of Japan's "Kakure Kirishitan," ...

National / Politics Nov 19, 2019

Mission unaccomplished — Abe's drive to revise pacifist Constitution

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe surged back to power seven years ago, pledging to bolster the nation's defenses in response to a growing threat from China and aiming to amend the pacifist Constitution. Now on track to become Japan's longest serving prime minister, Abe has kept ...

Rugby Oct 31, 2019

Japanese fans deal with 'rugby loss' after team's quarterfinal exit from World Cup

Japanese captivated by their Brave Blossoms' historic run to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals are suffering a new form of bereavement — "rugby loss" — after their team fell to South Africa. Fans were still feeling bereft days after cheering the Blossoms in their 26-3 ...

National Oct 22, 2019

Future of Japan's imperial dynasty rests on shoulders of 13-year-old Prince Hisahito

When Prince Hisahito, Japan's youngest prince, visited Bhutan in August on his first overseas trip, just months after his uncle, Emperor Naruhito, ascended to the throne, the visit was regarded as the debut of a future monarch on the world stage. Greeting his hosts in ...

National Sep 10, 2019

Japan needs to improve medical care for detainees, immigration chief says

There is a need to improve medical care at immigration detention centers, the head of the country's recently created Immigration Services Agency has said, following widespread criticism of the care available to detainees. The detention system for those who have violated immigration law or whose ...