INSIDER
Fans in Shohei Ohtani's Japanese hometown watch Dodgers reach brink of World Series title
Read full article: Fans in Shohei Ohtani's Japanese hometown watch Dodgers reach brink of World Series titleHundreds of fans filed into a public viewing center in Shohei Ohtaniās hometown in northern Japan on Tuesday morning to cheer the countryās top celebrity in Game 3 of the World Series.
The world is watching and Japan is visiting when Ohtani's Dodgers face the Yankees in Los Angeles
Read full article: The world is watching and Japan is visiting when Ohtani's Dodgers face the Yankees in Los AngelesAlthough Shohei Ohtaniās first trip to the World Series is a global sports event, itās particularly big in Japan ā and for Japan.
Aging farmers face extreme temperatures as they struggle to maintain Japan's rice crop
Read full article: Aging farmers face extreme temperatures as they struggle to maintain Japan's rice cropIn the remote village of Kamimomi in Japanās western Okayama Prefecture, a small group of rice farmers began their most recent harvest in sweltering heat, two weeks sooner than usual.
Nobuyo Oyama, voice actor for beloved Japanese cartoon robotic cat Doraemon, dies at age 90
Read full article: Nobuyo Oyama, voice actor for beloved Japanese cartoon robotic cat Doraemon, dies at age 90Nobuyo Oyama, the raspy voice of Doraemon, the beloved cartoon robotic cat from the future, has died.
Sei Young Kim cards 10-under 62 to lead LPGA event in China after first round
Read full article: Sei Young Kim cards 10-under 62 to lead LPGA event in China after first roundSei Young Kim, looking for her first victory this season, opened with a 10-under 62 to lead the first round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament.
Second fan files lawsuit claiming ownership of Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 baseball
Read full article: Second fan files lawsuit claiming ownership of Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 baseballThe claim to Shohei Ohtaniās potentially lucrative 50th home run ball grew more complicated this week, with a second fan filing a lawsuit asserting he had possession of the historic baseball.
An American bomb from WWII explodes at a Japanese airport, leaving a crater on the taxiway
Read full article: An American bomb from WWII explodes at a Japanese airport, leaving a crater on the taxiwayA U.S. bomb from World War II has exploded at a Japanese airport, causing a large crater in a taxiway and the cancellation of more than 80 flights.
Japan's central bank survey underpins optimism about growth
Read full article: Japan's central bank survey underpins optimism about growthBusiness sentiment among Japanās large manufacturers stood unchanged in the latest quarter from the previous quarter, according to a closely watched survey called ātankan.ā.
The worldās longest-serving death row inmate acquitted in Japan mulls suing the government
Read full article: The worldās longest-serving death row inmate acquitted in Japan mulls suing the governmentA lawyer for the worldās longest-serving death row inmate ā who was acquitted in a retrial last week of a 1966 quadruple murder ā says the defense team is considering filing a damages suit against the government for ruining the manās life and his mental health by keeping him in prison for 48 years.
2025 Club World Cup final to be at MetLife Stadium, site of 2026 World Cup final
Read full article: 2025 Club World Cup final to be at MetLife Stadium, site of 2026 World Cup finalNext yearās championship of the expanded Club World Cup will be played on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, site of the 2026 World Cup final.
China's Football Association bans 43 people for life after corruption investigation
Read full article: China's Football Association bans 43 people for life after corruption investigationChinaās Football Association says it has banned 43 people for life over allegations of match-fixing and other forms of corruption.
A robot has begun a 2-week mission to retrieve melted fuel from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant
Read full article: A robot has begun a 2-week mission to retrieve melted fuel from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plantAn extendable robot has begun a two-week mission to retrieve the first sample of melted fuel debris from inside one of three damaged reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Japan's economy is growing, but political uncertainty is among the risks
Read full article: Japan's economy is growing, but political uncertainty is among the risksJapanās economy grew at an annual rate of 2.9%, slower than the earlier report for 3.1% growth, in the April-June period, boosted by better wages and spending.
Prince Hisahito becomes the first royal male in Japan to reach adulthood in 4 decades.
Read full article: Prince Hisahito becomes the first royal male in Japan to reach adulthood in 4 decades.In a big milestone for Japanās royal family, Prince Hisahito has turned 18, becoming the first male royal family member to reach adulthood in almost four decades.
Chinese soccer appears to be getting worse despite President Xi's pledge to make it better
Read full article: Chinese soccer appears to be getting worse despite President Xi's pledge to make it betterJapan defeated Chinaās menās national team 7-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Saitama, Japan, a brutal loss that came against one of Chinaās biggest sporting and geopolitcal rivals in Asia.
Ohtani, Betts and Freeman hit consecutive homers for Dodgers to lead off game vs. Diamondbacks
Read full article: Ohtani, Betts and Freeman hit consecutive homers for Dodgers to lead off game vs. DiamondbacksShohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman led off Saturdayās game with consecutive home runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Storm Shanshan slowly moves across Japan as officials warn of torrential rains in major cities
Read full article: Storm Shanshan slowly moves across Japan as officials warn of torrential rains in major citiesTropical Storm Shanshan is slowly making its way into central Japan, halting trains and leaving underground passages brimming with water as officials warned of torrential rains in major cities, including Osaka and Tokyo.
Slow tropical storm dumps heavy rain around Tokyo after causing floods in southern Japan
Read full article: Slow tropical storm dumps heavy rain around Tokyo after causing floods in southern JapanA slow-moving tropical storm is having a far-reaching impact in much of Japan, dumping heavy rain around Tokyo and flooding roads and riverside areas in the south.
Second season of 'Pachinko' explores challenges for ethnic Koreans in Japan
Read full article: Second season of 'Pachinko' explores challenges for ethnic Koreans in JapanThe second season of āPachinko" ā opening Friday ā delicately captures the plight of ethnic Koreans brought to Japan during colonial rule and their descendants, exploring themes of home and identity through several generations.
A robot's attempt to get a sample of the melted fuel at Japan's damaged nuclear reactor is suspended
Read full article: A robot's attempt to get a sample of the melted fuel at Japan's damaged nuclear reactor is suspendedAn attempt to use an extendable robot to remove a fragment of melted fuel from a wrecked reactor at Japanās tsunami-hit nuclear plant has been suspended due to a technical issue.
Owner of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain gets takeover bid from Canadaās Couche-Tard
Read full article: Owner of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain gets takeover bid from Canadaās Couche-TardThe owner of 7-Eleven convenience stores has received a buyout offer for from Canadaās Alimentation Couche-Tard.
Japan's economy grew last quarter on healthy consumer spending and business investment
Read full article: Japan's economy grew last quarter on healthy consumer spending and business investmentJapanās economy grew at an annual rate of 3.1% last quarter, rebounding from the contraction in the previous quarter.
Here's what's next in Japan with Kishida bowing out as party leader and prime minister next month
Read full article: Here's what's next in Japan with Kishida bowing out as party leader and prime minister next monthJapanās embattled Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has surprised the country by announcing that heāll step down when his party picks a new leader next month.
U.S. again beats China in Olympic medals table after they tie for gold; France exceeds expectations
Read full article: U.S. again beats China in Olympic medals table after they tie for gold; France exceeds expectationsThe contest for most gold medals at the Paris Olympics ended in a 40-40 tie between China and the United States.
China cracks down on 'fan culture' during the Olympics, arresting a woman for social media posts
Read full article: China cracks down on 'fan culture' during the Olympics, arresting a woman for social media postsA Chinese woman has been detained for allegedly slandering others on social media in a crackdown on what Chinese authorities see as harmful negativity during the Olympics from super-zealous fans and online fan clubs.
Calm returns to Wall Street, and stocks bounce back after their worst drop in nearly 2 years
Read full article: Calm returns to Wall Street, and stocks bounce back after their worst drop in nearly 2 yearsStocks rose on Wall Street as calm returned to the market a day after its worst drop in nearly two years.
Canada loses Beijing Olympics figure skating medals appeal. Russians also won't get medals in Paris
Read full article: Canada loses Beijing Olympics figure skating medals appeal. Russians also won't get medals in ParisCanadian figure skaters will not join the United States and Japan on the podium at the Paris Olympics next week.
Adam Silver says NBA and FIBA are having āmuch more seriousā talks about growth in Europe
Read full article: Adam Silver says NBA and FIBA are having āmuch more seriousā talks about growth in EuropeThe NBA is ramping up talks with FIBA, basketball's global governing body, on how to best increase its competitive footprint in Europe either through an annual tournament or an NBA-operated league, according to Commissioner Adam Silver.
Aāja Wilson dominates as US women beat Japan 102-76 to open campaign for 8th straight Olympic gold
Read full article: Aāja Wilson dominates as US women beat Japan 102-76 to open campaign for 8th straight Olympic goldAāja Wilson scored 24 points and Breanna Stewart added 22 to help the U.S. beat Japan 102-76 in the Olympic opener for both teams.
Durant returns to practice with US basketball team, 1 week before Paris Olympics
Read full article: Durant returns to practice with US basketball team, 1 week before Paris OlympicsKevin Durant practiced with the U.S. Olympic basketball team on Friday, a major step toward getting him back on track for the Paris Games that open next week.
Massachusetts lawmakers call on the Pentagon to ground the Osprey again until crash causes are fixed
Read full article: Massachusetts lawmakers call on the Pentagon to ground the Osprey again until crash causes are fixedThree Massachusetts lawmakers are pressing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to ground the V-22 Osprey aircraft again until the military can fix the root causes of multiple recent accidents, including a deadly crash in Japan.
Former Olympic gymnast MyKayla Skinner draws criticism for saying SafeSport is hindering coaches
Read full article: Former Olympic gymnast MyKayla Skinner draws criticism for saying SafeSport is hindering coachesOlympic medal-winning gymnast MyKayla Skinner Harmer is drawing criticism for saying the U.S. Center for SafeSport is making it difficult for coaches to do their job.
Stock market today: Japan's Nikkei 225 hits new record close, as other world markets advance
Read full article: Stock market today: Japan's Nikkei 225 hits new record close, as other world markets advanceJapan's benchmark Nikkei 225 has surged to a record close of 40,913.65, while most other major world markets also advanced.
Japan, New Zealand agree on intel sharing pact amid growing regional security concerns
Read full article: Japan, New Zealand agree on intel sharing pact amid growing regional security concernsJapan and New Zealand have agreed in principle on an intelligence sharing pact as their leaders shared concern about the increasingly challenging security environment in the region, including closer ties between Russia and North Korea.
Grand Slam champions Osaka, Raducanu, Wozniacki and Kerber receive wild cards for Wimbledon
Read full article: Grand Slam champions Osaka, Raducanu, Wozniacki and Kerber receive wild cards for WimbledonFormer Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Angelique Kerber and Emma Raducanu have all been awarded wild cards for Wimbledon.
Tech news site Gizmodo sold for third time in 8 years as European publisher Keleops looks to expand
Read full article: Tech news site Gizmodo sold for third time in 8 years as European publisher Keleops looks to expandLongtime technology news and review site Gizmodo has been sold for the third time in the past eight years.
Earthquakes in north-central Japan collapse 5 homes that were damaged in deadly January quake
Read full article: Earthquakes in north-central Japan collapse 5 homes that were damaged in deadly January quakeEarthquakes have again struck Japanās north-central region of Ishikawa that is still recovering from the destruction left by a powerful quake on Jan. 1.
Ledecky says faith in Olympic anti-doping system at 'all-time low' after Chinese swimming case
Read full article: Ledecky says faith in Olympic anti-doping system at 'all-time low' after Chinese swimming caseOlympic champion Katie Ledecky says faith in the anti-doping system is at an āall-time lowā in the wake of the way global regulators handled a case involving Chinese swimmers.
Ohtani and Smith power Dodgers past reeling Mets 10-3 for 3-game sweep
Read full article: Ohtani and Smith power Dodgers past reeling Mets 10-3 for 3-game sweepShohei Ohtani homered and drove in three runs, Will Smith went deep twice and the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the frustrated New York Mets with a 10-3 victory.
Naomi Osaka has more going on than tennis at the French Open: Her daughter is learning to walk
Read full article: Naomi Osaka has more going on than tennis at the French Open: Her daughter is learning to walkThe big news in Naomi Osakaās life has nothing to do with the French Open or clay-court tennis: Her 10-month-old daughter, Shai, is taking her first steps.
Japan's top rugby competition bucks trends, continues to grow as the game faces headwinds elsewhere
Read full article: Japan's top rugby competition bucks trends, continues to grow as the game faces headwinds elsewhereAs professional rugby teams and tournaments around the world contend with tough financial headwinds Japan continues to buck the trend, experiencing historic growth both in teams and crowds.
Russia defends veto of UN resolution to prohibit nukes in outer space, urges vote to ban all weapons
Read full article: Russia defends veto of UN resolution to prohibit nukes in outer space, urges vote to ban all weaponsRussia has defended its veto of a U.N. resolution calling on all nations to prevent a nuclear arms race in outer space.
Russia proposes UN resolution on banning weapons in space, after vetoing similar UN-Japan draft
Read full article: Russia proposes UN resolution on banning weapons in space, after vetoing similar UN-Japan draftRussia has circulated a U.N. resolution calling on all countries to take urgent action to prevent putting weapons in outer space āfor all timeā a week after it vetoed a U.S.-Japan resolution to stop an arms race in space.
The UN's nuclear watchdog chief will visit Iran next week as concerns rise about uranium enrichment
Read full article: The UN's nuclear watchdog chief will visit Iran next week as concerns rise about uranium enrichmentThe head of the United Nationsā nuclear watchdog will travel to Iran next week as Tehranās nuclear program enriches uranium a step away from weapons-grade levels and international oversight remains limited.
Stock market today: Asian shares mostly rise to start a week full of earnings, Fed meeting
Read full article: Stock market today: Asian shares mostly rise to start a week full of earnings, Fed meetingAsian shares are trading mostly higher as investors kept their eyes on potentially market-moving reports expected later this week.
Japan's ruling party loses all 3 seats in special vote, seen as punishment for corruption scandal
Read full article: Japan's ruling party loses all 3 seats in special vote, seen as punishment for corruption scandalJapan's governing party has lost all three seats being contested in parliamentary by-elections Sunday.
US envoy to UN visits Nagasaki A-bomb museum, pays tribute to victims
Read full article: US envoy to UN visits Nagasaki A-bomb museum, pays tribute to victimsThe American envoy to the United Nations has called for countries armed with atomic weapons to pursue nuclear disarmament as she visited the atomic bomb museum in Nagasaki, Japan.
Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu pick up victories in the Billie Jean King Cup
Read full article: Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu pick up victories in the Billie Jean King CupNaomi Osaka put Japan a step away from reaching the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with a 6-2, 7-6 (5) victory over Kazakhstanās Yulia Putintseva.
Steak, cherry blossoms and Paul Simon will be featured at the White House state dinner for Japan
Read full article: Steak, cherry blossoms and Paul Simon will be featured at the White House state dinner for JapanRib eye steak, cherry blossoms and Paul Simon will be features of a White House state dinner for Japan.
Lindsey Horan's penalty kick gives US a 2-1 win over Japan in SheBelieves Cup
Read full article: Lindsey Horan's penalty kick gives US a 2-1 win over Japan in SheBelieves CupLindsey Horan converted a penalty kick in the 77th minute and the United States defeated Japan 2-1 to open the SheBelieves Cup before a record crowd.
US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines to stage military drills in disputed South China Sea
Read full article: US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines to stage military drills in disputed South China SeaThe United States, Japan, Australia and the Philippines will hold their first joint naval exercises, including anti-submarine warfare training, in a show of force Sunday in the South China Sea where Beijingās aggressive actions to assert its territorial claims have caused alarm.
Japanese drivers try to break through in Formula 1 but face linguistic and geographical barriers
Read full article: Japanese drivers try to break through in Formula 1 but face linguistic and geographical barriersAbout two dozen Japanese drivers have raced in Formula 1 over almost 50 years, and success has been limited.
Japan's royal family makes formal debut on Instagram as world's oldest monarchy tries to draw youth
Read full article: Japan's royal family makes formal debut on Instagram as world's oldest monarchy tries to draw youthJapanās imperial family has made an Instagram debut with a barrage of posts, hoping to shake off their reclusive image and reach out to younger people on social media.
'Oppenheimer' finally premieres in Japan to mixed reactions and high emotions
Read full article: 'Oppenheimer' finally premieres in Japan to mixed reactions and high emotionsāOppenheimerā has finally opened in the nation where two cities were obliterated by the nuclear weapons invented by the American scientist at the center of the film.
Vietnam's president resigns in latest twist of anti-graft campaign shaking its fast-growing economy
Read full article: Vietnam's president resigns in latest twist of anti-graft campaign shaking its fast-growing economyVietnam's president has resigned as the ruling communist party in the latest episode of a āblazing furnaceā anti-corruption campaign.
In Japan, Ohtani's 'perfect person' image could take a hit with firing of interpreter over gambling
Read full article: In Japan, Ohtani's 'perfect person' image could take a hit with firing of interpreter over gamblingShohei Ohtani is referred to in Japan as ākanpeki no hitoā ā the perfect person ā because of his manners and impeccable behavior.
Images taken deep inside melted Fukushima reactor show damage, but leave many questions unanswered
Read full article: Images taken deep inside melted Fukushima reactor show damage, but leave many questions unansweredImages taken by miniature drones from deep inside a badly damaged reactor at the Fukushima nuclear plant show displaced control equipment and misshapen materials but leave many questions unanswered, underscoring the daunting task of decommissioning the plant.
Shohei Ohtani shares a photo of his new wife on social media. She's a former pro basketball player
Read full article: Shohei Ohtani shares a photo of his new wife on social media. She's a former pro basketball playerShohei Ohtani has revealed the identity of his new wife with a photo of the couple on social media.
Japan's economy avoids recession by growing in last year's final quarter, according to revised data
Read full article: Japan's economy avoids recession by growing in last year's final quarter, according to revised dataJapanās economy managed to grow in the fourth quarter of last year, averting a recession, according to revised government data released Monday that had previously shown a contraction.
Military's Ospreys are cleared to return to flight, 3 months after latest fatal crash in Japan
Read full article: Military's Ospreys are cleared to return to flight, 3 months after latest fatal crash in JapanJapan says it'll join the U.S. military in returning its Ospreys to flight following the deaths of eight U.S. service members in a crash there in November.
The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra will tour Asia for the first time in June
Read full article: The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra will tour Asia for the first time in JuneThe Metropolitan Opera Orchestra will tour Asia for the first time with nine performances in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan from June 19-30.
United Airlines plane makes a safe emergency landing in LA after losing a tire during takeoff
Read full article: United Airlines plane makes a safe emergency landing in LA after losing a tire during takeoffA United Airlines jetliner that lost a tire on takeoff has made a safe emergency landing in Los Angeles.
Stock market today: Japan's Nikkei tops 40,000, as investors await China political meeting
Read full article: Stock market today: Japan's Nikkei tops 40,000, as investors await China political meetingAsian stocks are mostly higher ahead of Chinaās top annual political gathering, while Japanās benchmark closed above 40,000 for the first time.
Zuckerberg meets LG, Samsung chiefs in Seoul as Meta ramps up AI ambitions
Read full article: Zuckerberg meets LG, Samsung chiefs in Seoul as Meta ramps up AI ambitionsMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has discussed cooperation on extended reality devices with LG Electronics executives as part of his visit to South Korea that highlights Metaās ambitions in artificial intelligence.
Services prepare to brief Secretary Austin on a plan to get Ospreys flying again
Read full article: Services prepare to brief Secretary Austin on a plan to get Ospreys flying againThe military services will take a key step toward getting the V-22 Osprey fleet back in the air as they lay out their plans Friday to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding safety concerns stemming from a fatal crash in Japan.
Japan had the fewest babies it has ever recorded last year. Marriages dropped steeply, too
Read full article: Japan had the fewest babies it has ever recorded last year. Marriages dropped steeply, tooThe number of babies born in Japan in 2023 fell for an eighth straight year and is the lowest since Japan started compiling birth statistics in 1899.
Stock market today: Japan's benchmark briefly reaches all-time high after rally on Wall Street
Read full article: Stock market today: Japan's benchmark briefly reaches all-time high after rally on Wall StreetJapan's Nikkei 225 share benchmark has touched an all-time high, bypassing its previous record set in December 1989.
The Air Force knows what failed on an Osprey in a crash in Japan, but still doesn't know why
Read full article: The Air Force knows what failed on an Osprey in a crash in Japan, but still doesn't know whyAir Force Special Operations Command says it knows what failed on its CV-22B Osprey leading to crash in Japan late last year that killed eight service members.
TikTok faces European Union scrutiny for possible breaches of strict new digital rulebook
Read full article: TikTok faces European Union scrutiny for possible breaches of strict new digital rulebookThe European Union is looking into whether TikTok has broken the blocās strict new digital rules for cleaning up social media and keeping internet users safe.
Recession has struck some of the world's top economies. The US keeps defying expectations
Read full article: Recession has struck some of the world's top economies. The US keeps defying expectationsBoth Japan and the United Kingdom said Thursday their economies weakened during the final three months of 2023.
Japan wants everyone to know: Taylor Swift will make it in time for the Super Bowl
Read full article: Japan wants everyone to know: Taylor Swift will make it in time for the Super BowlTaylor Swift, who is holding concerts in Japan through Feb. 10, will make it in time for the Super Bowl to see her partner and football superstar Travis Kelce play.
Stock market today: Asian shares are mixed, with Chinese shares falling, ahead of Fed rate decision
Read full article: Stock market today: Asian shares are mixed, with Chinese shares falling, ahead of Fed rate decisionAsian shares are mixed, with Hong Kong and Shanghai declining, ahead of a decision by the Federal Reserve this week on interest rates.
South Korea says North Korea fired several cruise missiles, adding to provocative weapons tests
Read full article: South Korea says North Korea fired several cruise missiles, adding to provocative weapons testsSouth Koreaās military says that North Korea fired several cruise missiles that flew over waters near a major military shipyard on the countryās eastern coast, extending a streak in weapons tests that are worsening tensions with the United States, South Korea and Japan.
Ukrainian-born Miss Japan rekindles an old question: What does it mean to be Japanese?
Read full article: Ukrainian-born Miss Japan rekindles an old question: What does it mean to be Japanese?Crowned Miss Japan this week, Ukrainian-born Carolina Shiino cried with joy, thankful for the recognition of her identity as Japanese.
More heavy snow expected in Japan after 800 vehicles trapped on expressway
Read full article: More heavy snow expected in Japan after 800 vehicles trapped on expresswayWeather officials in Japan predicted more heavy snow Thursday, a day after nearly 800 vehicles were trapped for fours on an expressway in central Japan.
Russia's top diplomat accuses US, South Korea and Japan of preparing for war with North Korea
Read full article: Russia's top diplomat accuses US, South Korea and Japan of preparing for war with North KoreaRussiaās top diplomat is accusing the United States, South Korea and Japan of preparing for war with North Korea.