A Font of Commentary Amid Japan’s Taciturn Royals

A cousin of the emperor, Prince Tomohito of Mikasa has never shied away from offering his personal opinions and publicly sharing his thoughts on the burdens of royalty.

Fearing Crime, Japanese Wear the Hiding Place

Japanese fashion designers are devising a variety of novel solutions that they hope will ease growing fears of crime.

Japan Wrings Its Hands Over Sumo’s Latest Woes

A debate over whether, and how, the ancient sport of sumo should change is rooted in a quintessentially Japanese conflict between tradition and modernity.

Toyota Loses Top Spot in Reliability Rankings

Consumer Reports said “bug-ridden redesigns” were behind the automaker’s fall from first to third place in the magazine’s annual “Best & Worst New Cars” survey.

Death Reveals Harsh Side of a ‘Model’ in Japan

The starvation of a welfare recipient whose benefits were cut has turned attention to a system touted as a model.

Safe Food for Japan

Washington has begun to study Japan’s tough system for ensuring the quality and safety of Chinese imports, particularly food.

Unlike U.S., Japanese Push Fiber Over Profit

Japan is a broadband paradise with the world’s fastest and cheapest Internet connections, but some analysts wonder if the country’s push to install fiber is worth the effort.

Fukuda New Japan PM

The 71-year-old moderate, Japan's oldest new premier in 16 years, follows Shinzo Abe, the youngest prime minister in post-War history, who abruptly announced his resignation plans September 12.

Veteran Lawmaker Chosen as Japan’s Prime Minister

Yasuo Fukuda, a mild-mannered political moderate, is known for his ability to build consensus behind the scenes.

In Japan, Stagnation Wins Again

Shinzo Abe may have stepped down as prime minister of Japan last week, but the country’s antiquated economy remains.