Japan’s Central Bank Is Without Governor, a Blow to a Nation’s Prestige

The top post at Japan’s central bank now sits empty after a political standoff in Parliament blocked selection of a successor to the departing governor.

As Dollar Keeps Falling, Talk of a Move by Japan

The dollar, which tumbled to an almost 13-year low against the yen on Monday, may soon find a protector here — the Japanese finance ministry.

International Herald Tribune Video: Bridge to a Forgotten History

A companion video to the article below.

Seeking Recognition for a War’s Lost Laborers

The largest group of victims of the construction of the “Death Railway” built by Japan in East Asia six decades ago are some 70,000 Asian laborers who are barely commemorated.

Choice of Central Banker Is Snarled in Japan’s Politics

Finding a successor to Toshihiko Fukui before he steps down next Wednesday looks increasingly unlikely.

Time Is Short for Japan to Name a Central Banker

At a time when global financial turmoil would seem to require a firm hand at the economic tiller, Japan is facing the uncomfortable prospect of having no leader at its central bank.

Amazing Grace: The Art and Ordeal of the Kimono

At “geisha school,” an American enters a world that’s exotic even to some locals.

Editor's Note: See an angry response to this article here.

Japanese Drop Rape Charges Against Marine

A U.S. marine accused of raping a 14-year-old girl on Okinawa was released after the girl dropped her accusation.

Rice Offers Regret After Marine Is Accused of Rape on Okinawa

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, in Japan, tried to control diplomatic damage from a rape case.