U.S. resumes controversial Osprey aircraft refueling drills in Japan

January 7, 2017

TOKYO– The U.S. forces in Japan on Friday resumed aerial refueling drills for Osprey aircraft stationed in Okinawa Prefecture, a Japanese government source said, amid local protests over the move that came less than a month after the crash-landing of one

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FOCUS: Japan loses patience on South Korea handling of “comfort women” issue

January 7, 2017

TOKYO–  The withdrawal of the Japanese ambassador to South Korea and other retaliatory actions announced by Japan on Friday reflects Japan losing patience over its neighbor’s handling of the “comfort women” issue under impeached South Korean President Park Geun Hye.

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Olympics: Abe, Koike to hold talk with 2020 Olympic budget likely on agenda

January 7, 2017

TOKYO– Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike will likely discuss how to share the financial burden for the 2020 Tokyo Games after the prime minister’s office announced the pair will hold talks next Tuesday. Toshiro Muto, chief executive

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Japan, France agree to start talks on defense supplies-sharing pact

January 7, 2017

PARIS– The defense and foreign ministers of Japan and France agreed at their “two-plus-two” meeting on Friday to start negotiations for a bilateral accord on sharing defense supplies and services. In a joint statement issued after the meeting in Paris, the

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Japanese leaders question Trump’s protectionism after he hits Toyota

January 7, 2017

TOKYO– Japanese political and business leaders questioned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s protectionist stance Friday after he blasted Toyota Motor Corp.’s plan to build vehicles in Mexico, while the Japanese carmaker stressed its contribution to the U.S. economy. Toyota said in

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FEATURE: Japanese No. 1 “udon” noodle chain’s secrets of success in Russia

January 7, 2017

Japan’s biggest “udon” noodle restaurant chain, Marugame Seimen, has gained a foothold in Russia, overcoming the obstacles to foreign companies that have kept many of its rivals out of the market. With Tokyo and Moscow seeking to strengthen private-sector ties, Marugame Seimen’s operator

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Strong quakes jolt eastern Japan

January 6, 2017

TOKYO– A pair of earthquakes with a preliminary magnitude of 5.3 and 5.8 struck Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures in eastern Japan early Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. No tsunami warning was issued. The temblors occurred at around 12:44 a.m. and

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Trump eyes aide Hagerty as ambassador to Japan

January 6, 2017

WASHINGTON– U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is considering appointing William Hagerty, a close aide and key member in his transition team, as ambassador to Japan, a member of the team told Kyodo News on Wednesday. Hagerty, 57, is in charge of political

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