TravelMonks in Japan bring the temple to the peopleAt first glance, the cafe, which also serves alcohol, looks like any other except for an altar next to the countertop bar with a Buddha statue set against a gold backdrop.19 Apr 12:15 AM
WorldJapan rescue operations 'a race against time'Authorities in Japan have ordered almost 250,000 from their homes following Saturday's 7.3 magnitude earthquake.16 Apr 09:04 PM
New Zealand'We were worried things would fall on us'A Kiwi couple living in the Japanese city hit by two earthquakes have been huddled in their car with their three young children for the past two nights.15 Apr 11:56 PM
TravelHedgehog cafe opens in JapanAdding to the ongoing trend of Japanese animal cafes, a lunch spot dedicated to the humble hedgehog has opened in Tokyo.08 Apr 03:35 AM
TravelStickers solve Japan's bath tattoo banJapan has compiled measures to reduce the number foreign visitors refused entry to bath facilities because of their tattoos.07 Apr 04:10 AM
TravelCherry blossom season blooms earlyCherry blossoms in Japan are blooming at a hastened pace this year as a result of a warm spell.31 Mar 08:48 PM
TravelRoom Check: Hanabishi Hotel, JapanIn 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.21 Mar 03:00 AM
TourismAirbnb to let neighbours give feedbackAirbnb will soon give landlords a better way to find out how the strangers showing up at their properties are behaving.15 Mar 12:30 AM
WorldJapan still hurting five years onJapan yesterday mourned the thousands who lost their lives in a massive earthquake and tsunami five years ago.11 Mar 04:00 PM
Travel'Recovery tourism' five years after Japan quakeIn the three prefectures that suffered severely from the tsunami, local governments and companies are planning "recovery tourism" tours.07 Mar 12:55 AM
WorldJapan very nearly lost TokyoFive years after Fukushima, the then prime minister reveals the "paper-thin" margin that stood between his country and an unimaginable future.05 Mar 04:00 PM
AirlinesAir New Zealand resumes flights to OsakaThe service between Auckland and Osaka was suspended in 2013.02 Mar 07:45 PM
TravelKyoto: The graceful art of the geishaKyoto is famous for its many shrines and temples and for night-time Hanami festivals, coinciding with the seasonal blooming of the cherry blossoms.21 Feb 04:00 PM
TravelHow to travel to Japan for lessJapan is known to be pricey - so here are some ways to enjoy your Japanese holiday on a budget.15 Feb 05:00 AM
TravelThe sweet art of Japanese candyAmezaiku, a traditional craft of making artistic confectionery, has enchanted people for centuries.14 Feb 11:00 PM
TravelToo busy to travel? Send your teddy insteadSome people in Japan find solace in sending stuffed animals on trips in their place.12 Feb 01:35 AM
TravelPrivate homes in Tokyo to be rented to touristsFaced with a shortage of hotels, Tokyo's Ota district has approved renting out rooms and private homes to accommodate a growing number of tourists.01 Feb 10:15 PM
BusinessChocolate french fries served up at McDonald'sMcDonald's has been struggling in Japan, could chocolate covered fries save the day?28 Jan 06:24 PM
TravelWish I was here: Skiing in JapanSweating in Auckland's humidity this morning, we couldn't help but fantasise about crisp mountain air.24 Jan 08:00 PM
CompaniesJapanese stocks plunge into bear marketJapanese stocks plunged into a bear market amid a slump in equities across Asia.20 Jan 07:23 AM
WorldTrain keeps going for only one passengerFor the past 3 years, a train has stopped at the remote Kami-Shirataki station in far north of Japan just twice a day, for the service of 1 student.11 Jan 08:03 PM
WorldA song for quake survivorsFive years after tragedy hit Japan, chart-topping band Princess Princess reunite for one final fundraiser.11 Jan 07:48 PM
AirlinesJapan aims to reclaim tech innovation crownAs 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 2020.11 Jan 07:15 PM
BusinessSensor may detect cancer from breathThe 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.11 Jan 05:30 PM
TravelStop over: TokyoIn a capital city that's passionately embracing the future, Bridget Jones finds traces of a glorious past.09 Jan 12:11 AM
WorldClose encounter with giant squidA giant squid made its way into Japan's Toyama Bay on Christmas Eve, treating onlookers to a rare sighting of the magnificent creature.29 Dec 08:31 PM
BusinessCentral bank has optionsThe 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.25 Dec 11:00 PM
OpinionWynne GrayWynne Gray: Joseph to Japan has hurdles to clearJamie Joseph coaching Japan will require significant concessions from that union and the Highlanders, writes Wynne Gray.17 Dec 03:59 AM
TravelJapan: The isle of artOff the Japanese coast, Eric Young explores an island where stunning art meets brilliant architecture.02 Dec 11:00 PM
New ZealandAus and NZ consider response to whalingJapan has advised the International Whaling Commission it will resume whaling in the Southern Ocean but has reduced its intended take.29 Nov 09:02 PM
New ZealandJapan's whaling decision 'appalling'John Key has described Japan's decision to resume whaling in the Southern Ocean as a show of "bad faith".29 Nov 07:37 AM
WorldSea of Japan: Mystery ships with dead crewsEleven ghost ships, some with decaying corpses on board, have turned up off the coast of Japan.28 Nov 08:38 PM
New ZealandNZ govt to Japan: 'Stop whaling now'The New Zealand Government has hit out at Japan's decision to resume Southern Ocean whaling - a move which defies the International Whaling Commission.28 Nov 05:31 AM