Japan's garbage fitness

Jan 30 - Space-starved Tokyo uses green technology to turn garbage into electricity while wooing locals with community-friendly incinerators.

An average resident of Tokyo's 12 million-strong population generates more than one kilogram (2.2 lbs) of waste per day, so garbage officials have been challenged where to put it.

Japan joins anti-piracy patrols

Jan 28 - The Japanese navy will take part in international anti-piracy controls off of Somalia.

Japan has spent months deliberating over their decision to send in naval forces to join others from the United States, India, Russia and the European Union.

In order not to breach their pacifist constitution they will primarily protect Japanese vessels or those that are carrying Japanese cargo and crew.

The Japanese government is considering introducing a new laws permitting them to protect foreign vessels and allowing them to use weapons beyond self-defense.

Japan Says It Will Send Anti-Piracy Force to Somalia’s Coast

Japan said it would deploy its Maritime Self-Defense Force to protect Japanese commercial ships off the coast of Somalia, possibly as early as March.

Japan Moves to Take Stakes in Ailing Companies

The country outlined a plan to inject state funds into ailing companies in exchange for stakes in them, a move that echoes the partial nationalization of some troubled financial firm in the U.S. and Europe.

Obama speech book a big hit in Japan

Jan 21 - Japanese learn English form Obama speech textbook.

English-language textbook featuring recent speeches by Barack Obama has become a best-seller in Japan.

Obama, Japan welcomes Obama

an 20 - The Japanese residents of Obama city have staged a massive party to mark the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.

The city is nowhere near Washington DC, where Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, but they had a massive party all the same.

Excited locals and Obama fans flocked to a temple to celebrate the inauguration - Hawaiian style - as a tribute to Obama's birthplace.

Grandson of Toyota Founder Will Lead

Toyota Motor named Akio Toyoda, 52, to head the company in a widely expected management reshuffle.

Japan’s Outcasts Still Wait for Acceptance

The buraku, descendants of a low feudal class, face social discrimination despite decades of affirmative action.

Japan and Korea Vow Unity on Economic Slump

The financial crisis prompted South Korea and Japan to set aside historical disputes on Monday and agree to cooperate to meet immediate economic challenges.

Bra for boys is bestseller

A bra for men becomes the hottest selling men's underwear item on a Japanese online shopping site.

The move has provoked heated online discussion in Japan with thousands debating the merits of male use of the item of underwear.

Kyoto Celebrates a 1,000-Year Love Affair

This city, known for its shrines and blazing autumn hills, is celebrating the millennial anniversary of an ancient book about love and loss among the imperial set.

Japan Seeks Australia’s Help to Thwart Whaling Opponents

Japan said Tuesday that it would formally ask Australia to keep anti-whaling activists and their ship, the Steve Irwin, from refueling at Australian ports.

Beacon of Japan’s Future, Sparkling With Nostalgia

Tokyo Tower, the city’s Eiffel Tower-like structure, has turned 50, and has become the symbol of a bygone era that has won a new place in the national imagination.