The United States has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan, escalating Washington’s campaign against the Hague-based court. The move has drawn criticism from Tokyo, which called the sanctions “very unfortunate.” With Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government strongly backing the ICC and the rule of law, questions are emerging over whether the dispute could create friction in otherwise close U.S.-Japan relations.


Will US sanctions on Japan's ICC president hurt relations with Takaichi? 

Russia and Japan are once again at odds after Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. Tokyo swiftly renewed its territorial claim and lodged a protest, while Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi criticised the visit. The islands have remained a major point of contention since the Soviet Union seized them at the end of World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty.

Russia-Japan spar over disputed islands, Japan envoy summoned

Kuril Island row: Putin's Kuril visit fuels Russia-Japan tensions

Kuril Island's row: Putin's Kuril visit fuels Russia-Japan tensions

Japan is seeing strong tourism growth as visitors from Asia, the US, Europe and South Korea help make up for shifts in travel patterns. The surge highlights Japan’s continued appeal as a major global tourism destination and provides a boost to its travel and hospitality sectors.

Japan makes up for lost tourism from Asia, US, Europe & Korea

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine as Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also visited the controversial shrine, which honours wartime Japanese leaders, including convicted war criminals. Such visits have previously drawn strong criticism from China and South Korea.

Japan marks 81 years since World War II surrender 

This week in Asia, Japan's stock market is riding an extraordinary AI wave. But behind the surge in AI and semiconductor stocks, there is another powerful market force, the weak Yen.


Japan's AI boom rides on a weak Yen 

Russia and Japan are once again at odds after Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. Tokyo swiftly renewed its territorial claim and lodged a protest, while Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi criticised the visit. The islands have remained a major point of contention since the Soviet Union seized them at the end of World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty.


Russia-Japan tensions: Putin makes historic first visit to disputed Kuril islands, Japan protests 

Weak yen fuels Japan's AI stock rally

Japan’s ongoing currency shift is reshaping the country's technology and industrial sectors, with a persistently weak yen acting as a powerful financial tailwind for major corporate exporters. As global demand for artificial intelligence hardware, advanced semiconductors, and data center infrastructure surges, Japanese manufacturers are reaping record-high overseas revenues translated back into local currency.


Japan's AI market shift: Weak yen boosts exporter earnings

An adorable eight-month-old polar bear cub named Momota at Japan's Oga Aquarium (Akita Prefecture) has taken the internet by storm with his hilarious and quirky obsession with traffic cones. Viral footage captures the playful toddler shoving his head inside a bright orange cone, charging around his enclosure like a tiny unicorn, and accidentally poking his visibly exhausted mother, Momo, in the rear end.


Polar bear cub obsessed with traffic cones; Japan's polar bear goes viral

Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing with a solemn peace ceremony, reaffirming its commitment to its long-standing non-nuclear principles. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. The commemoration comes as Japan simultaneously undertakes its largest defense buildup since World War II in response to growing security concerns posed by China and North Korea, highlighting the country's delicate balance between peace and national security.

August 6, 1945: Around 140,000 People Perished in Hiroshima Bombing

North Korea on Wednesday accused Japan of turning itself into a "war state" as Tokyo continues to strengthen its military capabilities across the Pacific.&nbsp;The remarks came from Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after Japan stepped up defence spending, expanded military partnerships and increased deployments on its outer islands.&nbsp;A day earlier, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the country must strengthen its military with a "sense of urgency and crisis" following a new government assessment that identified China, Russia and North Korea as growing security threats.&nbsp;In a statement published by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Yo Jong said Pyongyang's "leadership will set up additional military options which are obviously due to Japan's transformation"."Japan, a war criminal state, is accelerating its transformation into a war state," the statement said.North Korea cites military drills and missile tests&nbsp;Kim pointed to Japan's recent Tomahawk long-range cruise missile test and its participation in United States-led military exercises in the Philippines in May as signs of Washington's support for what she described as "dangerous military moves" in the Pacific.&nbsp;She also accused Tokyo of moving "to formulate the possession of the capability for preemptive attack", adding, "We will never remain a passive onlooker to the military evolution of Japan which may pose a grave threat."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-draws-up-new-nuclear-strategy-in-the-event-of-war-with-russia-and-china-1785952387235">Pentagon draws up new nuclear strategy in the event of war with Russia and China</a><h2>Japan defends military build-up</h2>Japan's Defence Ministry declined to respond directly to Kim's remarks but said the country's defence capabilities "remain bare minimum" and "are not meant to threaten other countries".&nbsp;"Ours isn't the defence meant to wage wars, but to prevent new wars, strictly kept to self-defence and within the scope of our (pacifist) Constitution and international laws," the ministry said.&nbsp;The ministry also confirmed that last week's Tomahawk missile test was Japan's first and said the country plans to acquire up to 400 Tomahawk missiles by the end of fiscal 2027.&nbsp;Japan ruled the Korean Peninsula until its surrender in the Second World War in 1945, after which Korea was divided into two states along the 38th parallel. The legacy of that colonial period continues to influence relations between Japan and both North and South Korea.&nbsp;Kim also warned, "If the descendants of militarism, who have inherited the genes of cunning and aggression, have seized deadly weapons in their hands, something unpleasant will happen."&nbsp;Japan increased its military spending by 9.7 per cent to $62.2 billion in 2025, taking defence expenditure to 1.4 per cent of its GDP, the highest share since 1958.

North Korea accused Japan of becoming a "war state" and warned of additional military measures after Tokyo expanded its defence capabilities and increased military activities in the Pacific.

North Korea on Wednesday accused Japan of turning itself into a "war state" as Tokyo continues to strengthen its military capabilities across the Pacific. The remarks came from Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, after Japan stepped up defence spending, expanded military partnerships and increased deployments on its outer islands. A day earlier, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the country must strengthen its military with a "sense of urgency and crisis" following a new government assessment that identified China, Russia and North Korea as growing security threats. In a statement published by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Yo Jong said Pyongyang's "leadership will set up additional military options which are obviously due to Japan's transformation". "Japan, a war criminal state, is accelerating its transformation into a war state," the statement said. North Korea cites military drills and missile tests Kim pointed to Japan's recent Tomahawk long-range cruise missile test and its participation in United States-led military exercises in the Philippines in May as signs of Washington's support for what she described as "dangerous military moves" in the Pacific. She also accused Tokyo of moving "to formulate the possession of the capability for preemptive attack", adding, "We will never remain a passive onlooker to the military evolution of Japan which may pose a grave threat." Also Read: Pentagon draws up new nuclear strategy in the event of war with Russia and China Japan defends military build-up Japan's Defence Ministry declined to respond directly to Kim's remarks but said the country's defence capabilities "remain bare minimum" and "are not meant to threaten other countries". "Ours isn't the defence meant to wage wars, but to prevent new wars, strictly kept to self-defence and within the scope of our (pacifist) Constitution and international laws," the ministry said. The ministry also confirmed that last week's Tomahawk missile test was Japan's first and said the country plans to acquire up to 400 Tomahawk missiles by the end of fiscal 2027. Japan ruled the Korean Peninsula until its surrender in the Second World War in 1945, after which Korea was divided into two states along the 38th parallel. The legacy of that colonial period continues to influence relations between Japan and both North and South Korea. Kim also warned, "If the descendants of militarism, who have inherited the genes of cunning and aggression, have seized deadly weapons in their hands, something unpleasant will happen." Japan increased its military spending by 9.7 per cent to $62.2 billion in 2025, taking defence expenditure to 1.4 per cent of its GDP, the highest share since 1958.

North Korea accused Japan of becoming a "war state" and warned of additional military measures after Tokyo expanded its defence capabilities and increased military activities in the Pacific.

North Korea accuses Japan of becoming a 'war state' amid military buildup

Japan's 2026 defense white paper brands China as its greatest strategic challenge, highlighting regional security risks, military expansion near Taiwan, and deeper ties with Russia.


The White Paper identifies China as Japan's strategic challenge 

The Japanese Yen's historic slide against the greenback has officially drawn high-level attention from Washington, with U.S. financial authorities actively weighing a potential multi-billion-dollar currency intervention to stabilize foreign exchange markets. As Japan's central bank battles severe depreciation pressures driven by diverging monetary policies, global markets are on high alert.

US-Japan intervention boosts Yen, but at what cost?

Japan has officially launched its new National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), upgrading the older Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office (CIRO). Led by director Kazuya Hara with a staff of roughly 730, the agency has the legal power to force different government ministries to share security and intelligence information.

Takaichi: First step in the country's intellignce reform

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture triggered a devastating explosion at the Aeon Mall shopping complex, leaving parts of the structure collapsed and rescue teams racing against time.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as shoppers and employees evacuated moments before a massive blast sent debris flying and filled the air with dust "like volcanic ash." Authorities are investigating whether a gas leak contributed to the explosion.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called the rescue operation a "race against time" as emergency workers continue searching for those still trapped. More than 100 aftershocks have complicated rescue efforts across the region.

Japan earthquake: Death toll rises to 35 after earthquake 

Japan Prime Minister Takaichi’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level, raising questions about public confidence, government policies, and the future political landscape in Japan. This report explores the reasons behind the decline, voter concerns, and what the latest poll numbers could mean for the Takaichi administration and Japan’s leadership.

Japan to slash sales tax on food: Tax cut to remain for two-year period 

Faced with plummeting approval ratings touching all-time lows, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has signaled a major policy shift by giving the green light to potential tax cuts. As household budgets feel the severe pinch of persistent inflation and rising living costs, the administration is scrambling to appease voters and revive public confidence.


Japan PM Takaichi gives a nod to tax cuts as her approval falls to an all-time low

Japan's demographic crisis is becoming harder to ignore. The country's population has fallen by nearly 3 million people in just five years, while major cities such as Yokohama are recording historic population declines. Hiroshima is seeing young residents move to Tokyo in search of opportunities, leaving regional areas struggling to maintain growth. As birth rates fall and households become smaller, both nations are searching for answers to a rapidly changing demographic reality.

Japan's biggest population drop since 1968: A historic decline

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's southern main island of Kyushu, heavily impacting Kumamoto prefecture and triggering emergency evacuations, structural collapses, and temporary tsunami warnings.


Japan earthquake: Magnitude 7.1 quake rattles southern Kyushu island

A powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, toppling buildings, igniting fires and leaving dozens feared trapped in a shopping mall, with at least one person reported dead and more than 100 injured. Emergency crews raced to rescue survivors as aftershocks rattled the region.

Japan Quake: More than 60 aftershocks recorded, several reported missing

South Korea is turning to artificial intelligence to help prevent suicides on Seoul's Han River bridges. AI-powered surveillance cameras can detect unusual behavior, such as someone lingering in high-risk areas, entering restricted zones, or approaching emergency suicide-prevention phones. The system instantly alerts first responders, enabling faster intervention in a country that continues to grapple with one of the world's highest suicide rates.

South Korea & Japan turns to AI to prevent suicides

A powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, toppling buildings, igniting fires and leaving dozens feared trapped in a shopping mall, with at least one person reported dead and more than 100 injured. Emergency crews raced to rescue survivors as aftershocks rattled the region.


Japan Earthquake: Epicenter recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers near Uki & Uto 

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 has struck Kumamoto prefecture on Japan's southern main island of Kyushu. The epicenter of the tremors was at a depth of 10 kilometers below the sea surface, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.

Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has said injuries have been reported due the quake and a buildings has collapsed in the region.

Authorities have issued a tsunami warning, with waves of up to one meter (3.28 feet) expected. Residents in coastal areas have been urged to move to higher ground and follow official evacuation instructions.

Japan: 7.1 magnitude quake recorded in southern Japan; 40,000 houses left without electricity

There is an old saying, “Age is just a number,” and Japan’s football icon Kazuyoshi Miura has proved exactly that.&nbsp;&nbsp;At 59, the legendary striker found the net for the first time in nearly four years, helping Fukushima United cruise to a 7-0 victory in an Emperor’s Cup qualifier.&nbsp;&nbsp;Playing in an incredible 41st professional season, the man fans know as “King Kazu” raced into the box, beat two defenders to the ball, and calmly finished a pinpoint cross in the 52nd minute.&nbsp;&nbsp;The goal marked another remarkable milestone in a career that has stretched across four decades.&nbsp;&nbsp;He later said the finish came from being in the right place at the right time, adding that he wanted to justify the faith shown by his coach and teammates.&nbsp;&nbsp;From making his professional debut in Brazil in 1986 to playing in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal, the Japanese forward has inspired generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also played a key role in popularising professional football in Japan after the J-League’s launch in 1993.&nbsp;&nbsp;His latest goal sends a powerful message: when passion and ambition refuse to retire, age truly becomes just a number.

Playing in an incredible 41st professional season, Kazuyoshi Miura, known as “King Kazu”, raced into the box, beat two defenders, and calmly finished a pinpoint cross in the 52nd minute. The goal marked another remarkable milestone in a career that has stretched across four decades.

There is an old saying, “Age is just a number,” and Japan’s football icon Kazuyoshi Miura has proved exactly that. At 59, the legendary striker found the net for the first time in nearly four years, helping Fukushima United cruise to a 7-0 victory in an Emperor’s Cup qualifier. Playing in an incredible 41st professional season, the man fans know as “King Kazu” raced into the box, beat two defenders to the ball, and calmly finished a pinpoint cross in the 52nd minute. The goal marked another remarkable milestone in a career that has stretched across four decades. He later said the finish came from being in the right place at the right time, adding that he wanted to justify the faith shown by his coach and teammates. From making his professional debut in Brazil in 1986 to playing in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal, the Japanese forward has inspired generations. He also played a key role in popularising professional football in Japan after the J-League’s launch in 1993. His latest goal sends a powerful message: when passion and ambition refuse to retire, age truly becomes just a number.

Playing in an incredible 41st professional season, Kazuyoshi Miura, known as “King Kazu”, raced into the box, beat two defenders, and calmly finished a pinpoint cross in the 52nd minute. The goal marked another remarkable milestone in a career that has stretched across four decades.

59 & still scoring: Japan’s ‘King Kazu’ nets first goal since 2022 | Gravitas

Japan has unveiled one of its biggest economic transformation plans in decades, announcing a massive 370 trillion yen ($2.5 trillion) investment strategy through 2040. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government aims to strengthen Japan's leadership in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, defense, clean energy, and shipbuilding while boosting long-term economic growth. The ambitious blueprint is designed to improve productivity, reduce dependence on China, and keep Japan competitive in the global AI race. However, economists and investors are raising concerns over how the government plans to finance the enormous spending package, especially with Japan already carrying one of the world's highest public debt burdens.

Japan's debt dilemma deepens

The Japanese government is set to introduce stringent new requirements for permanent residency applicants, aiming to tighten control over immigration and ensure long-term compliance with tax and social security obligations.

Japan govt to impose tougher requirements for permanent residency

Japan's push for cooler workplaces has sparked debate after Tokyo encouraged male office workers to wear shorts during summer under its expanded "Tokyo Cool Biz" campaign. While many welcome the comfort, critics argue the policy exposes a gender double standard, with some women raising concerns over workplace expectations and even coining the term "sunehara" or "leg hair harassment."

Japan: Experts urge heat safety as Japan faces scorching summer

Senior officials from Japan’s Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces have launched personal X (formerly Twitter) accounts to combat what Tokyo identifies as China’s "cognitive warfare".

Japanese defence officials launch X accounts; Move aims to counter China's 'cognitive warfare'

Three bones discovered between 1995 and 1997 in the Ajimu region of Japan belong to a giant salamander that scientists had never identified before. The mystery creature has been named Limnospondylus ajimuensis and lived about 3.5 million years ago in lakes. Researchers said that it measured about 3.6 feet, almost as big as some of the largest amphibians we have on Earth today. The three fossilised vertebrae were discovered nearly 30 years ago in the Tsubusugawa Formation. This region has ancient lake sediments which have previously revealed other animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, in the past. Some of the creatures found here no longer exist in Japan.&nbsp;The salamander bones were initially assigned to the genus Andrias, which includes the Japanese and Chinese giant salamanders. It was only a temporary classification, as scientists did not have enough skeletal material to classify it. A team of researchers from Kyoto University decided to carry out a detailed analysis of the three bones. They used a much broader collection of modern and extinct giant salamander specimens for the study.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/monster-fish-20-times-their-original-size-are-swarming-scottish-lochs-1784096631032">'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs</a><h2>Giant salamander fossils in Japan</h2>Scientists said that since the bones were found in different locations and differed in size, they were not from one animal. The fossils represented an anterior trunk vertebra, a mid-trunk vertebra, and a sacro-caudal vertebra. The revelation happened because of a mid-trunk vertebra. The feature had not been seen in the anatomy of any known member of the giant salamander family, Cryptobranchidae. This led the researchers to create an entirely new species.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fragments-of-seven-legged-giant-with-20-inch-arms-wash-ashore-in-scotland-it-is-a-1765375636560">Fragments of seven-legged giant with 20 inch arms wash ashore in Scotland</a>&nbsp;“Ajimu contains the only site in the world where fossils of the giant salamander family and extant genera have both been found,” first author Masahiro Noda said. The team says that the discovery fills a major gap in the history of giant salamanders. The ancient amphibian lineage has been around for roughly 60 million years.&nbsp;&nbsp;The creatures inhabited much of the Northern Hemisphere, but in Asia, their fossil record has a gap of more than 20 million years. The discovery of Limnospondylus suggests that giant salamanders were once more diverse in Asia than previously believed.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Giant salamanders lived in Japan millions of years ago, and the discovery made nearly three decades ago is only now revealing their existence. Scientists say the findings fill a gap in the fossil record of more than 20 million years.  

Three bones discovered between 1995 and 1997 in the Ajimu region of Japan belong to a giant salamander that scientists had never identified before. The mystery creature has been named Limnospondylus ajimuensis and lived about 3.5 million years ago in lakes. Researchers said that it measured about 3.6 feet, almost as big as some of the largest amphibians we have on Earth today. The three fossilised vertebrae were discovered nearly 30 years ago in the Tsubusugawa Formation. This region has ancient lake sediments which have previously revealed other animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, in the past. Some of the creatures found here no longer exist in Japan. The salamander bones were initially assigned to the genus Andrias, which includes the Japanese and Chinese giant salamanders. It was only a temporary classification, as scientists did not have enough skeletal material to classify it. A team of researchers from Kyoto University decided to carry out a detailed analysis of the three bones. They used a much broader collection of modern and extinct giant salamander specimens for the study. Also Read: 'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs Giant salamander fossils in Japan Scientists said that since the bones were found in different locations and differed in size, they were not from one animal. The fossils represented an anterior trunk vertebra, a mid-trunk vertebra, and a sacro-caudal vertebra. The revelation happened because of a mid-trunk vertebra. The feature had not been seen in the anatomy of any known member of the giant salamander family, Cryptobranchidae. This led the researchers to create an entirely new species. Also Read: Fragments of seven-legged giant with 20 inch arms wash ashore in Scotland “Ajimu contains the only site in the world where fossils of the giant salamander family and extant genera have both been found,” first author Masahiro Noda said. The team says that the discovery fills a major gap in the history of giant salamanders. The ancient amphibian lineage has been around for roughly 60 million years. The creatures inhabited much of the Northern Hemisphere, but in Asia, their fossil record has a gap of more than 20 million years. The discovery of Limnospondylus suggests that giant salamanders were once more diverse in Asia than previously believed.

Giant salamanders lived in Japan millions of years ago, and the discovery made nearly three decades ago is only now revealing their existence. Scientists say the findings fill a gap in the fossil record of more than 20 million years. &nbsp;

3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before

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