Latest from Japan

A song for quake survivors

Five years after tragedy hit Japan, chart-topping band Princess Princess reunite for one final fundraiser.

Japan aims to reclaim tech innovation crown

As part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to reinvigorate the world's third-largest economy, Japan is striving to accelerate innovation ahead of hosting the Olympics in 2020.

Sensor may detect cancer from breath

The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), based in Japan, has played the leading role in developing a small sensor that capable of detecting cancer and other diseases.

Stop over: Tokyo

In a capital city that's passionately embracing the future, Bridget Jones finds traces of a glorious past.

Close encounter with giant squid

A giant squid made its way into Japan's Toyama Bay on Christmas Eve, treating onlookers to a rare sighting of the magnificent creature.

Central bank has options

The Bank of Japan still has policy options to continue its unprecedented monetary easing, says Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, days after the central bank announced it wouldn't expand its main stimulus target.

Wynne Gray: Joseph to Japan has hurdles to clear

Jamie Joseph coaching Japan will require significant concessions from that union and the Highlanders, writes Wynne Gray.

Japan: The isle of art

Off the Japanese coast, Eric Young explores an island where stunning art meets brilliant architecture.

Aus and NZ consider response to whaling

Japan has advised the International Whaling Commission it will resume whaling in the Southern Ocean but has reduced its intended take.

Bar/fly: Tokyo, Japan

Learning slurping skills keeps Kevin Pilley busy as he dries out amid the world's largest collection of pot noodles.

Road ahead looks green for car makers

There is a race taking place between some of the big names of car making - Japan's Toyota and Honda and their Asian neighbour Hyundai - and a smaller camp led by the tech visionary Elon Musk.

Japanese panel eyes rules for self-driving cars

Work to create rules for putting self-driving vehicles into practical use is kicking into high gear as progress continues on the development of such vehicles.

Down syndrome artist's success

Paintings drawn by a 21-year-old woman with Down syndrome are enjoying widespread popularity in Japan.

Cancer rate rockets after Japan nuclear meltdown

Children living near the Fukushima nuclear meltdown site have been diagnosed with cancer at a rate of up to 50 times that of children elsewhere.

In Japan, population down, toilet paper up

Why are toilet paper sales soaring in Japan despite a falling population?

Three dead, thousands homeless

Authorities are grappling with the aftermath of massive flooding that killed at least three people, as thousands of rescuers search for the missing.

Japan far behind in mobile banking

Japan's first passenger jet ready to fly

After almost four years of delays, the Mitsubishi Regional Jet will make its debut flight in the second half of October.