Japan

Japan's net foreign assets hit record high of $3 trillion in 2023, remains world's top creditor

The increase in Japan's net foreign assets in the year 2023 is the sixth such consecutive annual hike

North Korea slams China, Japan, South Korea over denuclearisation commitment

Such discussion is an "insult never to be pardoned and a declaration of war against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)," however, a spokesman for North Korea's foreign ministry said in a swift riposte. "To discuss the denuclearisation ... today constitutes a grave political provocation and sovereignty violation," the unidentified spokesman said in the statement reported by the North's state media

North Korea notifies Japan of plans to launch satellite as Tokyo conducts trilateral meet with China and South Korea

The notice providing the eight-day window came as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are scheduled to hold a rare trilateral meeting

Kabosu, the famed Shiba Inu dies: How a rescue dog became the face of Dogecoin & an internet sensation

Kabosu, the Shiba Inu dog, famous for her quizzical expression featured in numerous 'doge' internet memes, has died, her owner confirmed on Friday. In 2013, a picture of Kabosu giving a slight side-eyed look went viral on Tumblr and other various online chatrooms, eventually becoming known as 'doge', one of the most iconic and recognisable images of the social media meme rampage

China, Japan and South Korea to hold first trilateral summit in 5 yrs to improve ties

Efforts to boost cooperation among the Asian neighbours often hit snags because of a mix of issues, including historical disputes stemming from Japan’s wartime aggression and the strategic competition between China and the United States.

Whaling 'mothership' sets sail on first hunt in Japan. Why controversial whale hunting is crucial for the country

Japan launched a new ‘mothership’ for its whaling fleet, despite criticism. With this nearly 9,300-tonne Kangei Maru, the Asian nation hopes to revive a shrinking industry, which some call a 'part of Japanese people’s identity'

Why a town in Japan is blocking the view of Mount Fuji

Officials in a Japanese town are erecting a 2.5-metre (8.2 ft) high barrier to block a view of Mount Fuji and obstruct a photo spot that has been attracting thousands of visitors, making them a nuisance for locals

Philippines will buy 5 patrol boats from Japan in 23.9 bn deal amid growing rift in South China Sea

Tokyo is a major provider of overseas development assistance to the Philippines. The Philippine Coast Guard currently operates two 97-meter patrol vessels as part of a fleet deemed insufficient for patrolling the waters of the vast archipelago nation.

Quad, AUKUS, and now Squad: How multiple groupings are dissipating US' effort against China

The US, the lead country in all three groupings, needs to re-strategise them with an increasing role for India

City of no love? What are the ‘anti-sex’ beds at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

‘Anti-sex’ beds have arrived in France’s Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games. These beds are produced by the Japanese company Airweave, which introduced them at the Tokyo Games. It is said that the purpose of these cardboard mattresses is to deter athletes from making love in bedrooms. However, this isn’t true