Finding on Dialects Casts New Light on the Origins of the Japanese People

New research suggests that the Japanese language is not descended from that of the hunter-gatherers who first inhabited the islands some 30,000 years ago.

Tokyo Issues Tap Water Warning for Infants

Infants in and around Tokyo should not drink tap water, a Tokyo official said Wednesday, after radioactive iodine was detected in the capital’s water supply.

Japanese Scramble to Avert Meltdowns as Nuclear Crisis Deepens After Quake

Japanese officials said Sunday they presumed partial meltdowns had occurred at two crippled reactors and that they were facing serious cooling problems at three more.

On Edge of Disaster, Town Reels From Tsunami

The scenes of destruction in one sleepy town are especially frightening because they are far from the worst-hit areas.

Japan probes possible WWII prisoner experiment site

Excavations are beginning at the site of a former medical school in Japan which could yield evidence of war-time experiments on prisoners.

Fewer Japanese Students Studying Abroad

The falling number of Japanese youth eager to study overseas appears to be more than just an enrollment trend.

In Text Messages, Signs of a Rigged Sumo Fight

Police recently found text messages on confiscated cellphones that link as many as 13 wrestlers in match-fixing schemes, triggering a public outcry over corruption in Japan’s national sport.

Opinion: Toilet Worship

Toilets hold a special place for the Japanese.

Leading in 3-D TV, Breaking Japan’s Glass Ceiling

Toshiba is a rare example of a company tapping what some economists call Japan’s least used resource: women.

Facebook Wins Relatively Few Friends in Japan

As Goldman Sachs pours $450 million into Facebook, Japan, with a large and growing online advertising market, is a big hole in Facebook’s global fabric.

Japan Keeps a High Wall for Foreign Labor

Immigration provides one remedy to Japan’s lethargic economy, but Tokyo is resisting accepting young workers.

For Sushi Chain, Conveyor Belts Carry Profit

The Kura “revolving sushi” chain has succeeded where many of Japan’s celebrated eateries fall short: turning a profit in a punishing economy.

Japanese pop band boosts onion sales

A struggling agricultural community in Japan is hoping that song and dance troupes known as idol groups might inject a little energy into their sluggish enterprise.

Japan hosts traditional German Christmas market

Japan is marking 150 years of friendship with Germany by hosting a traditional Christmas market.

Japan defence review warns of China's military might

Japan has unveiled sweeping changes to its national defence polices, boosting its southern forces in response to neighbouring China's military rise.

Japan Plans Military Shift to Focus More on China

Japan is about to release guidelines reducing forces pointed toward Russia in favor of units that can respond to China.

In Japan, Adoration for Women’s Volleyball

Japan, which is hosting the women’s world volleyball championships for the second time in a row, is leaping above other nations when it comes to supporting and covering the sport.

Opinion: Ancient Neighbors, Current Antagonists

The animosity between China and Japan belies centuries of affinity.

Opinion: The Legacy of Human Torpedoes

The farewells of the kaiten pilots of World War II offer lessons in the folly and sadness of war.

From Japan, the Heavy-Metal Kid

The guitar riffs and wails of Yuto Miyazawa, 10, have caught even Ozzy Osbourne's notice.