A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake has struck southwestern Japan, killing at least 13 people and leaving widespread destruction across Kumamoto Prefecture. The quake toppled buildings, damaged roads and bridges, derailed a cargo train, and sparked multiple fires. Authorities say a gas leak likely triggered a deadly explosion at a shopping mall, where several people remain missing.

Around 300,000 residents have been urged to evacuate as strong aftershocks continue to shake the region. Rescue teams, supported by Japan's military, are carrying out search and relief operations while officials assess the damage. The historic Kumamoto Castle has also suffered fresh damage, years after the devastating 2016 earthquakes.

Japan Hit by Devastating 7.1 Earthquake | Death Toll Rises, Rescue Operations Underway

Exports of both cars and auto parts more than doubled, up 135.5% and 139.1% from a year earlier, respectively.

Japan's May exports log sharpest rise in 41 years

With less than three months before the Tokyo Olympics are set to begin on July 23, Japan is now facing immense pressure to control the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Japan may extend Covid-19 state of emergency beyond May 11

Japan's inability to contain the Covid-19 pandemic means that plans to hold the Olympics in Tokyo should be reconsidered, health experts wrote in a commentary.

Tokyo Olympics must be reconsidered due to Japan's failure to contain pandemic

The foreign and defence ministers of Japan and Germany will hold a “2 plus 2” virtual dialogue in mid-April -- in the wake of China taking an increasingly aggressive foreign policy approach in the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan and Germany to hold first '2 plus 2' dialogue talks in April

After Indore, bird flu has been confirmed as the cause of mass death of crows in Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts of Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Tuesday.

Bird flu confirmed in dead crows found in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur and Agar Malwa districts 

The government kept its assessment of industrial production unchanged, saying it was picking up.

Japan factory output growth stalls after rising for 5 months

Japan’s worst bird flu outbreak on record spread to new farms this week and has been found in around a quarter of the country’s 47 prefectures, with officials ordering more cullings.

Bird flu spreads to one-fourth of Japan's prefectures

Japanese ruling party leader Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote Wednesday, becoming the country’s first new premier in nearly eight years.

PM Suga's 5-step plan to revive Japanese economy

That meant exports fell for their 21st straight month, marking the longest run of declines since a 23-month run through July 1987.

Japan's exports extend double-digit declines

Yoshihide Suga is almost certain to become the country's next Prime Minister, as Japan's governing party has chosen Suga as its new leader to succeed Shinzo Abe.

Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary, set to become new Prime Minister of Japan

The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered theatres across Japan, and while other traditional art forms can rely on generous private backers or state subsidies, Noh depends heavily on staging shows.

Can Japan's ancient Noh theatre survive COVID-19?

Japan's ailing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has resigned. Speculation about Abe’s health and tenure had risen after he made two visits to a hospital recently.

WION Dispatch: Shinzo Abe resigns as Japanese PM over health concerns

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the country's longest-serving leader, announced at a press conference on Friday that he has decided to step down due to health reasons.

Japanese PM Abe announces resignation over worsening health

Japan's ailing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to resign. Speculation about Abe’s health and tenure had risen after he made two visits to a hospital recently.

Japan: Bowel illness force Longest serving PM Shinzo Abe to resign

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe set to resign: Report

A group of Japanese lawmakers is seeking to restrict the use of TikTok and other apps developed by Chinese firms

After India and U.S, Japan looks to put curbs on TikTok and other chinese apps

Large areas along the Kuma river were swallowed by floodwaters, with many houses, buildings and vehicles submerged almost up to their roofs.

At least 34 killed as floods batter Japan

The decline followed a 13.9% drop in April, which was the biggest fall since March 1998

May retail sales fell sharply in Japan