Latest from Japan

Japan: Hidden scars of Hiroshima

In a tiny pancake shop, Regan Schoultz meets a survivor of the atomic raid.

Why you should never tip here

After stepping foot in Japan you'll quickly notice that there are rules, both written and unwritten, that everyone seems to know and follow.

Stricter rules eyed for automakers in Japan

Japan's crackdown is driven by data-faking.

Missing boy's first words revealed

Yamato was found by a soldier at an empty Japanese air force building in Shikabe Town in Hokkaido after going missing for six days.

Parents left boy in bear territory as punishment

The search resumed for a 7-year-old boy left in the woods of northern Japan as punishment by his parents.

Japan: Tranquil times in Okinawa

The subtropical islands of Okinawa are officially part of Japan but it's almost like a different country.

Obama offers respect but no apology

As anticipated, he did not offer an apology for the deaths.

Bar/fly: Nonbei Yokocho, Tokyo

The bartender took a while to warm up but ended up being a great translator and all-round funny guy.

Japan startup spins future for synthetic silk

Later this year, outdoor-gear retailer North Face will offer its environmentally conscious shoppers at its outlet in Tokyo's posh Harajuku fashion district a chance to save the planet.

Cherry blossom season blooms early

Cherry blossoms in Japan are blooming at a hastened pace this year as a result of a warm spell.

Room Check: Hanabishi Hotel, Japan

In the heart of Beppu next to the waterfront. It was close to the train station and had a mountain view out of nearly every window.

Airbnb to let neighbours give feedback

Airbnb will soon give landlords a better way to find out how the strangers showing up at their properties are behaving.

Japan still hurting five years on

Japan yesterday mourned the thousands who lost their lives in a massive earthquake and tsunami five years ago.

'Recovery tourism' five years after Japan quake

In the three prefectures that suffered severely from the tsunami, local governments and companies are planning "recovery tourism" tours.

Japan very nearly lost Tokyo

Five years after Fukushima, the then prime minister reveals the "paper-thin" margin that stood between his country and an unimaginable future.

Air New Zealand resumes flights to Osaka

The service between Auckland and Osaka was suspended in 2013.

This robot calls the market better than a human

Kyoto: The graceful art of the geisha

Kyoto is famous for its many shrines and temples and for night-time Hanami festivals, coinciding with the seasonal blooming of the cherry blossoms.